Craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a lightning-fast dinner? Get ready to unlock the secret to unbelievably easy chicken nachos that are bursting with flavor.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a game-changing dish that everyone will devour.
Chicken for Nachos
Let's get our chicken ready for the nachos—because what are nachos without a mountain of flavorful chicken? First, in a bowl, I'm mixing our homemade nachos meat seasoning ingredients along with 2 tablespoons of chicken broth to make a paste, yum!
Now, I'll add 700 grams (or 1.2 lbs) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl. I'll make sure the chicken gets totally coated in that flavor-packed paste.
I'll heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and—then I will cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, reserving the paste!
I'll return the skillet to the stove and add the remaining chicken broth (1 cup), tomato paste (2 tbsp), and some sugar (2 tsp). This step is important to achieve a flavorful sauce similar to what is used on tacos. I'll scrape the pan to get all the good stuff mixed in and bring it to a simmer.
Time to shred the chicken with forks—or, if you prefer, chop it. I'm not worried if it's still a little raw inside. It is gonna cook.
Quick Guacamole
Now that the chicken is almost ready, I think that it is time to make the super quick guac—that's my favorite part! It's so simple—you're gonna love it.
First, grab two medium avocados. Now, I know what you're thinking, "Are these rock hard avocados gonna work?" Trust me. They'll get mashed!
Next, scoop out the avocado flesh into a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of roughly chopped cilantro. If, like me, you add a *little extra*, it's okay! No guac police here. For a creamier texture, instead of using chunks, you can prepare it as a smooth sauce as well.
Now, pour in 2 tablespoons of lime juice. I usually need one large lime for that. Mash it all together with a potato masher to your preferred chunkiness.
Finally, don't forget the salt and pepper! Taste, adjust, and bam! You've got quick guac. Doesn't that taste amazing?
Nachos
I'm telling you, next comes the best part, assembling these awesome nachos! I usually preheat my oven to 180C/350F – it's like giving the oven a little pep talk before the big cheese-melting event!
First, I grab half the chips – 250g/8 oz of tortilla or corn chips will do, and I spread them on a baking tray, slightly overlapping, like they're sunbathing. Then, I spoon half of that delicious warm chicken—remember the recipe we just made?—right on top. Don't be shy!
Next is the cheese! I use half of the 2.5 cups cheddar or Monterey Jack – because let's be honest, cheese is life. Repeat with the rest of the chips, chicken, and cheese.
Bake for about 7 minutes, or until that cheese is melted and bubbly, like it's having a hot tub party! Now, garnish with fresh coriander/cilantro and some jalapeño slices, serve immediately with the quick guacamole and sour cream.
Recipe Notes
Monterey Jack is my top cheese pick for nachos. Cheddar, tasty cheese, Colby, and Mexican cheese blends work, too—basically, any melts-nicely cheese will do. I skip mozzarella – it's just not as flavorful.
You can totally use precooked chicken or other meat, like carnitas, but if it's already seasoned, ease up on the salt and spices when you're making the seasoning paste. For the lime juice sub, just use something sour OR sweet like lemon, rice vinegar, or apple juice. If it's fruit juice, skip the sugar in the sauce!
Short Recipe Version
Easy Chicken Nachos (Simplified)
Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: N/A (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
Servings: Varies (estimate 4-6)
Ingredients:
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapenos (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). (Only if you prefer warm nachos)
- Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.
- Top with chicken and cheese.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. (Skip if you don't want them warmed)
- Remove from oven and top with salsa, sour cream, black olives, and jalapenos.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Estimated):
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g