Start by placing the chicken, salsa, cumin, chipotle chili, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the chicken is coated well.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. You'll know it’s ready when you see small bubbles rising to the surface. It's crucial to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Partially cover the pot and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Halfway through, use a large spoon to turn the chicken over, allowing the salsa mixture to coat it.
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also do this directly in the pot for convenience.
Return the shredded chicken to the saucepan and stir in the rinsed and drained pinto beans. Let this simmer for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often until hot and slightly thickened.
While the chicken and beans are simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the corn tortillas into 6 wedges. I like to cut each tortilla in half and then slice each half into three equal wedges for even baking.
Arrange the tortilla wedges in a single layer on two ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 6 minutes. After that, using tongs, flip the chips and lightly coat them with cooking spray. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Rotate the pans between the top and bottom racks, then continue baking for an additional 6 to 9 minutes until they begin to turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool.
Now, turn your oven to broil. Arrange the cooled tortilla chips on an oven-proof serving platter or pile them onto a baking sheet.
Spoon the chicken and bean mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with cheese. Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with any additional toppings you desire, such as chopped green onions, sliced olives, or diced avocados.
Finally, dig in and enjoy your homemade Chicken Nachos immediately for the best experience!
