Fiesta Chicken Nachos the Ultimate Crowdpleaser
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever had one of those days where only comfort food will do? Honestly, same. That's why I'm sharing my chicken nachos recipe today.
It's packed with flavour, easy to make, and always a crowd pleaser. This is how I always make my best chicken nachos recipe .
A Fiesta in Every Bite!
Nachos, in general, have roots in northern Mexico and have become a staple for game day eats. My take is a simple recipe.
It only takes around 40 minutes, and it yields around 6 servings. I made it because it´s simply great for sharing with friends at any time.
Why You'll Love These Nachos With Chicken
These easy chicken nachos are loaded with protein thanks to the chicken and black beans, making them a satisfying meal.
This is a party food favourite, perfect for game night, movie night, or any casual get-together. What makes this fiesta chicken nachos so special is the combination of textures and flavors.
You got crispy chips, melty cheese, savoury chicken and fresh toppings. I dare you to only eat a single bite!
Get Your Ingredients Ready
Alright, so let's dive into what you'll need to make these shredded chicken nachos easy . First you need your chicken and then your favorite type of chips.
I like using restaurant style chips. You will need chicken breasts, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, jalapenos and some toppings.
Easy peasy!
Ingredients & Equipment for Fiesta Chicken Nachos
Time to gather your arsenal for the best chicken nachos recipe ever! Don't worry, it's not rocket science. I remember once trying to make nachos with only mozzarella. Big mistake!
Main Ingredients
Let's break it down for these nachos with chicken .
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . Extra virgin adds a nice flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz/28g) , low sodium preferred. I find this gives easy chicken nachos .
- Water: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . This helps create a flavorful simmer.
- Tortilla Chips: 1 large bag (approx. 12-14 oz/340-400g) . Restaurant style are sturdy!
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. Or use a Mexican blend!
- Black Beans: 1 cup (240ml) , canned, rinsed. Trust me, rinsing matters.
- Corn: 1 cup (240ml) , canned, drained. Frozen works in a pinch.
- Jalapeños: 1/2 cup (115g) , jarred, sliced. Adjust to your spice level.
For the chicken, quality matters most. Fresh, not frozen, breasts are better. The right blend of spices makes these the best chicken nachos recipe .
It really is a quick chicken nachos recipe.
Seasoning Notes
Taco seasoning is key. It gives these fiesta chicken nachos that Tex-Mex vibe.
- Essential Spices: Cumin, chili powder, paprika.
- Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of garlic powder elevates the taste.
- Substitution: If you're out of taco seasoning, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This works great for other nacho recipes chicken too.
Honestly, the seasoning is where you can really make this nacho chicken dish your own.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple. I am trying to make shredded chicken nachos easy .
- Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
- Baking Sheet: Large and rimmed is a must!
- Two Forks: For shredding the chicken perfectly.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons . Gotta be precise with the spices!
Don't sweat it if you don't have fancy equipment. A regular frying pan works fine. A casserole dish can sub for a baking sheet.
The goal is delicious chicken nachos toppings , not perfection.
Alright, let's whip up some Fiesta Chicken Nachos ! Honestly, forget boring dinners. These are all about big flavor and good times.
Think of them as a culinary hug. And the best part? It's so darn easy.
Prep Steps for Nacho Nirvana
First, mise en place , people! That’s fancy chef talk for getting everything prepped. Get your chicken, cheese, beans, corn, and jalapeños ready to roll.
For time saving? Grab a rotisserie chicken. Seriously, best shortcut ever. And hey, oven mitts are your best friend. We don't want any burnt fingers, alright?
Nacho Making Magic: step-by-step
- Cook the chicken: Brown the chicken breasts in a skillet with olive oil.
- Flavor Bomb: Sprinkle with taco seasoning, add water, simmer until cooked to an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . About 15- 20 minutes .
- Shred It: Shred that chicken with two forks!
- Oven Time: Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Nacho Assembly: Spread chips, then cheese, chicken, beans, corn, and jalapeños on a baking sheet.
- Bake It: Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Top It Off: Add sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and cilantro.
- Devour: Serve immediately. Trust me, you'll want to.
Pro Tips for Best chicken nachos recipe
Don't overload the chips. Soggy nachos? Nobody wants that. Warm the beans and corn. This prevents your nachos from cooling too quickly. Spread the cheese evenly for maximum melty goodness.
Ever tried warming the toppings? It elevates the taste. Trust me. Common mistake? Overbaking! Watch that cheese like a hawk. The chicken nachos toppings are crucial. Experiment!
You can make the shredded chicken nachos easy ahead of time. Just keep the components separate until you're ready to bake. Then, your quick chicken nachos are ready in a jiffy!
These Nachos With Chicken are perfect for any occasion.
I swear, making this chicken nachos recipe is so easy, it's practically a crime. Grab your ingredients, crank up some tunes, and let's get cooking!
Recipe Notes
These Fiesta Chicken Nachos are a total game changer. They're not just some run-of-the-mill snack. This best chicken nachos recipe is designed for maximum flavour and minimal effort.
Let’s talk about making them perfect .
Serving Suggestions
Think presentation. How about layering your quick chicken nachos on a rustic wooden board? Scatter fresh cilantro and a drizzle of lime crema. Boom. Insta worthy Chicken Nachos Toppings make all the difference.
For sides, keep it simple. A cool Mexican beer or a classic margarita? Yes, please! Extra salsa or hot sauce? Always a good shout.
I like offering guests a "nacho bar." They can customize their own Nacho Recipes Chicken .
Storage Tips
So, you've got leftovers of these easy chicken nachos ? First of all, kudos to you for not finishing them all in one sitting! Honestly, I usually can't resist.
Store them in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days . Freezing isn't really ideal. The chips get soggy.
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes . Watch them carefully, so you don't burn the cheese!.
Variations
Fancy a twist? To make these nachos vegetarian, you can make Nachos With Chicken with black beans and corn. Instead of using real chicken you can substitute the chicken with seasoned black beans or crumbled vegetarian "meat.
". For a lower carb version, try using baked tortilla chips or cauliflower florets. I tried cauliflower "nachos" once. It was surprisingly delicious, if you like cauliflower.
Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.
Nutrition Basics
Ok, let's get real. These shredded chicken nachos easy recipe are a treat. Not exactly health food, but life's too short for boring salads, eh? We are making Fiesta chicken nachos !.
A serving packs a good punch of protein, thanks to the chicken and beans. The recipe is also a good source of calcium from the cheese.
But, moderation is key!
These nachos bring people together. I mean, who can resist a pile of cheesy, delicious goodness? Go on, give this chicken nachos recipe a go. You won't regret it! I promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prevent my chicken nachos recipe from getting soggy?
Soggy nachos are a real bummer, aren't they? To avoid this, don't overload the chips with toppings. A single, even layer is all you need. Also, consider using restaurant style tortilla chips, as they tend to be thicker and hold up better under the weight of the toppings.
Warm the beans and corn slightly before adding them; this helps prevent them from cooling down the nachos too quickly.
Can I make chicken nachos recipe ahead of time?
While it's best to enjoy chicken nachos fresh out of the oven, you can prep some of the ingredients in advance. Cook and shred the chicken, chop the veggies, and have all your toppings ready to go. However, assemble the nachos just before baking to prevent the chips from getting soggy.
Trust me, a few minutes of assembly are worth it for that perfect, crispy bite!
What are some good substitutions for cheese in this chicken nachos recipe?
Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. Pepper Jack adds a bit of spice. A Mexican cheese blend is always a winner. And for those who are lactose free there are many cheese alternatives for dairy-free recipes.
The most important is to use cheese that melts very well and adds to the flavor of the dish!
I'm looking for a healthier chicken nachos recipe. Any tips?
Absolutely! You can lighten things up by using baked tortilla chips instead of fried. Opt for lean chicken breast and use low-fat cheese. Load up on fresh veggies like bell peppers and onions.
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, and don't be shy with the salsa and pico de gallo they're packed with flavor and nutrients. And of course, you can reduce the portion size to save some extra calories!
What are some tasty variations I can try to spice up my chicken nachos recipe?
Get creative! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning for some heat. Blackened chicken or spicy chorizo are amazing additions. Pineapple salsa adds a sweet and tangy twist. Or think outside the box and drizzle some BBQ sauce over the top after baking.
The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you!
How should I store leftover chicken nachos?
Leftover nachos are best enjoyed as soon as possible, but if you must store them, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be warned, the chips will lose their crispness. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, but don't expect them to be quite as good as the first time around.
Honestly, though, who has leftover nachos? They're usually gone faster than a free pint at the pub!
Fiesta Chicken Nachos The Ultimate Crowdpleaser
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 5g |