Chicken Nachos

When I think of comfort food, Chicken Nachos always comes to mind. Growing up, nachos were a staple during family game nights, and there was something so special about the way my mom would layer everything just right. The crispy tortilla chips, the gooey cheese, and the savory toppings created a beautiful mosaic of flavors that brought everyone together. One evening, as I was reminiscing about those joyous nights, I decided to recreate that beloved dish. I wanted to capture the essence of those moments and make it my own. Every layer of this Chicken Nachos recipe is packed with flavor, and it’s so easy to throw together. Whether you’re hosting friends for a game or just craving a tasty snack, these nachos are bound to be a hit!

What’s In This Chicken Nachos

Every great dish starts with quality ingredients, and Chicken Nachos is no exception. The harmony of flavors in this recipe comes from the perfect blend of ingredients that work beautifully together. From the crispy tortilla chips to the savory chicken and the melty cheese, each component adds its unique touch, elevating the experience altogether.

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: This oil adds a nice sheen when sautéing the onion and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 small white onion, chopped: The onion contributes a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: The chicken provides protein and a deliciously savory element.
• 1 cup canned enchilada sauce: This adds a rich, zesty flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• ½ bag white tortilla chips: The base of our nachos, providing that satisfying crunch.
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed: These beans add a hearty texture and are loaded with fiber.
• 10 ounces shredded Mexican cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, providing that gooey cheesiness we love in nachos.
• 2 avocados, skinned, pitted and chopped: Fresh avocado adds creaminess and a hint of freshness.
• 4 ounces cotija cheese: This cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture that enhances the nachos.
• 1 14-ounce can sliced black olives: Olives provide a briny flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.
• ¼ cup green onion, chopped: These add a pop of color and a fresh crunch.
• pickled jalapeño: A spicy kick for those who crave heat.
• sour cream or Mexican crema: A cool, creamy topping that balances the flavors.
• salsa: A tangy condiment to serve on the side for dipping.

The Process for Making Chicken Nachos

Making Chicken Nachos is as enjoyable as eating them! This recipe allows you to get your hands a little messy while layering the ingredients, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get creative. Follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for melting the cheese without burning the tortilla chips.
2. In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will infuse your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
3. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and canned enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through. Keep an eye on it to avoid sticking.
4. On a sheet pan or an oven-safe platter, start layering! Begin with a generous layer of tortilla chips, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Try to cover as much surface area as possible to ensure every chip gets toppings!
5. Next, add about half of the black beans, followed by half of the chicken mixture, and a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese. Make sure to cover the chips well for maximum flavor.
6. Repeat the layering process two more times. As you build up your nachos, you should have three layers: chips, beans, chicken, and cheese. This layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
7. Once you’ve built your nachos, carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and the chips are lightly browned around the edges. You can peek through the oven door to monitor the melty goodness!
8. When the nachos are ready, take them out of the oven, and let them cool for a minute. Now it’s time to top them off! Add avocado, cotija cheese, sliced olives, green onion, and pickled jalapeños.
9. Finally, drizzle some sour cream or Mexican crema on top and serve immediately with a side of salsa for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!

Tips and Variations

Making Chicken Nachos allows for a lot of creativity, and I’ve gathered a few tips to elevate your experience. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Storage: Nachos are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing nachos, as they tend to get soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!
• Pairing: Serve with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea to balance the rich flavors of the nachos.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different blends of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.

How to Enjoy Chicken Nachos

There’s no wrong way to enjoy your Chicken Nachos, but here are some ideas to make the experience even better:

• Perfect Snack for Game Day: These nachos are ideal for football or movie nights, serving as the ultimate snack for gatherings.
• Casual Dinner Option: Pair with a side salad for a casual weeknight dinner.
• Great for Parties: Set up a nacho bar during parties, allowing guests to customize their own plates with various toppings.
• Seasonal Pairing: Serve with a fresh fruit salsa in the summer for a lighter twist.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftover toppings, store them separately in the fridge to maintain the crispiness of the chips.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Nachos capture the essence of comfort food that brings people together. Their crispy, cheesy layers and customizable toppings make them a hit for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or a cozy night in. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a favorite dish that will surely satisfy your cravings and create lasting memories.

Chicken Nachos

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Nachos are perfect for any gathering! Crispy tortilla chips layered with savory chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings create a delightful, easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Make them tonight for a delicious treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small white onion chopped
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup canned enchilada sauce
• ½ bag white tortilla chips
• 1 15-ounce black beans drained and rinsed
• 10 ounces shredded Mexican cheese
• 2 avocados skinned, pitted and chopped
• 4 ounces cotija cheese
• 1 14-ounce sliced black olives
• ¼ cup green onion chopped
• pickled jalapeño
• sour cream or Mexican crema
• salsa

Equipment

• Oven
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for melting the cheese without burning the tortilla chips.
2. In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will infuse your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
3. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and canned enchilada sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through. Keep an eye on it to avoid sticking.
4. On a sheet pan or an oven-safe platter, start layering! Begin with a generous layer of tortilla chips, spreading them evenly across the bottom. Try to cover as much surface area as possible to ensure every chip gets toppings!
5. Next, add about half of the black beans, followed by half of the chicken mixture, and a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese. Make sure to cover the chips well for maximum flavor.
6. Repeat the layering process two more times. As you build up your nachos, you should have three layers: chips, beans, chicken, and cheese. This layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
7. Once you’ve built your nachos, carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and the chips are lightly browned around the edges. You can peek through the oven door to monitor the melty goodness!
8. When the nachos are ready, take them out of the oven, and let them cool for a minute. Now it’s time to top them off! Add avocado, cotija cheese, sliced olives, green onion, and pickled jalapeños.
9. Finally, drizzle some sour cream or Mexican crema on top and serve immediately with a side of salsa for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!

Notes

Nachos are best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I don’t recommend freezing nachos, as they tend to get soggy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!

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Meet Tessa Gray

I’m the “Poppy” I bring a touch of brightness and artistry to our kitchen. As our head baker, I specialize in wild-yeast sourdough and delicate pastries that use seasonal fruits and edible flowers. While I love baking, I’m also always helping Chloe and Maya cook our savory dishes. I believe every hearty meal deserves a beautiful, sweet finish!