Enjoy this mouth-watering Chicken Nachos recipe piled high with your favorite toppings. They are perfect for sharing or snacking solo.
Table of contents
Sheet Pan Nachos
Chicken Nachos are a popular and delicious snack enjoyed by many. They are the perfect blend of crunchy, savory, and spicy flavors that make them irresistible.
Whether you’re having a movie night with friends, a game day gathering, or just need a quick snack or dinner, Chicken Nachos are a great choice.
One of the great things about nachos is that they can be customized to suit any taste preference. From mild to spicy, there’s a version for everyone. Some toppings that are commonly added to chicken nachos include shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapenos, and black beans.
In addition to being delicious, nachos can also be a relatively healthy snack if prepared with fresh ingredients and served in moderation. For example, using baked tortilla chips instead of fried ones and adding fresh vegetables like diced tomatoes and bell peppers can increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Another great thing about this easy nacho recipe is that it can be a budget-friendly option when feeding a crowd. By using simple, affordable ingredients like tortilla chips, chicken, and cheese, you can create a snack that’s sure to impress without breaking the bank.
If you’re someone who loves to meal prep or make food in advance, Chicken Nachos can be a great option. A rotisserie chicken helps make this recipe sure quick and easy. This makes for an easy and satisfying snack that you can enjoy anytime.
Chicken Nachos are a delicious and versatile snack that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a spicy or mild version, this is the best nacho recipe, as it’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So why not give them a try and see why they’re such a crowd-pleaser?
Chicken Nacho Recipe: Ingredients & Equipment
To make these Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos, you will need …
Ingredients
- sturdy, triangular tortilla chips – you don’t want thin chips for this recipe. Make sure you find tortilla chips that can hold all of the yummy goodness you will be covering them in!
- mild Cheddar cheese and Colby-Jack cheese – you can use any kind of cheese you like. Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are favorites in our house as well.
- rotisserie chicken – to make this a speedy and easy recipe. Of course, you can use leftover chicken or prepare your favorite Tex-Mex chicken for this recipe, if you prefer.
- cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa – some of the flavor boosters for the nachos.
- optional toppings – chopped green onion, chopped jalapenos, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, chopped black olives, and/or lime wedges
Equipment
- sheet pan with parchment paper – for baking the nachos.
Note
If you’re looking to take your Chicken Nachos to the next level, consider experimenting with different toppings and sauces for a loaded nachos option. For example, you could try adding crumbled bacon, diced avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick. Roasted corn, black beans, pinto beans, and Pico de Gallo are great toppings, too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not swap out the chicken for another protein like ground beef, shredded pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option?
How to make Chicken Nachos
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a rack in the top position in your oven. Line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
Assemble the nachos. Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly over the baking sheet and top them with some of the cheese. Then, top with some of the shredded chicken. Next, top with the remaining tortilla chips. Add another layer of cheese before sprinkling on the remaining chicken, and then topping that with the remaining cheese.
Bake. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown in some spots.
Remove from the oven, top with cilantro, and cool. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top. Then, allow the nachos to cool for at least 3-5 minutes.
Serve. To serve, place dollops of sour cream and guacamole on top of the nachos and sprinkle the salsa all over the top. If desired, serve with your choice of additional toppings.
Chicken Nachos: FAQs
While it’s possible to make them in the microwave, it’s not the ideal cooking method. The nachos won’t get as crispy, and the cheese may not melt evenly. It’s best to bake them in the oven for the best results.
They can be a relatively healthy snack if prepared with fresh ingredients and served in moderation. However, they can also be high in calories, sodium, and fat if loaded with cheese and other high-calorie toppings. To make them healthier, consider using baked tortilla chips, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding fresh vegetables like diced tomatoes and peppers.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the toppings right before baking to ensure they don’t get soggy. It’s not recommended to freeze nachos, as the texture of the toppings and tortilla chips can become soggy after thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.
They can be served as a snack or as a main dish. If serving as a main dish, consider adding beans or rice to make them more filling.
Yes, you can make them in an air fryer by layering the tortilla chips, chicken, and toppings in the basket and cooking at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Other recipes you may enjoy
Chicken Nachos
Enjoy this mouth-watering Chicken Nachos recipe piled high with your favorite toppings. They are perfect for sharing or snacking solo.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (11-ounce) sturdy, triangular tortilla chips
- ¾ cup mild Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- ¾ cup Colby-Jack cheese, shredded and divided
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded and divided
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup guacamole
- 3 tablespoons salsa
Optional toppings
- chopped green onion, chopped jalapenos, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, chopped black olives, and/or lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a rack in the top position in your oven. Line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly over the baking sheet and top them with ¼ cup of mild cheddar and ¼ cup Colby-Jack.
- Sprinkle on ¾ cup of shredded chicken and then top with the remaining tortilla chips.
- Add another layer of ¼ cup of mild cheddar and ¼ cup Colby-Jack.
- Sprinkle on the remaining chicken and then top again with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown in some spots.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle on the chopped cilantro, and allow the nachos to cool for at least 3-5 minutes.
- To serve, place dollops of sour cream and guacamole on top of the nachos and sprinkle the salsa all over the top.
- If desired, serve with your choice of additional toppings.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you're looking to make your nachos healthier, consider using baked tortilla chips, reducing the amount of cheese, and using Greek yogurt or hummus in place of sour cream.
- Chicken Nachos are a great option for parties or gatherings because they're easy to make in large batches and can be assembled ahead of time.
- If you're serving these nachos to a crowd, consider setting up a nacho bar with various toppings and sauces so that people can customize their own plates.
- One of the keys to making great nachos is ensuring that the toppings are distributed evenly. This will ensure that every chip has a bit of everything and that the flavors are balanced.
- If you're serving Chicken Nachos as a main dish, consider adding some beans or rice to make them more filling.
- Chicken Nachos are a great option for meal prepping or packing as a lunch. You can assemble them in a container with separate compartments for the toppings to keep everything fresh.
- If you're looking for a low-carb option, you can skip the chips altogether and serve the chicken and toppings in lettuce cups or on a bed of greens.
Recommended Products
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Durable Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3, BPA Free, Large Dishwasher Safe Reversible Plastic Boards, Nonslip Handle and Border, Deep Grooves -
12-Piece Knife Set with Blade Guards, Multicolored -
Measuring Cups and Spoons - Set of 12 Stainless Steel for Cooking & Baking -
200Pcs 12x16 In Unbleached Parchment Paper for Baking, Precut Parchment Paper Sheets, Heavy Duty Flat Baking Paper, Half Sheet Baking Sheets for Baking Cookies, Cooking, Air Fryer, Oven -
Nordic Ware 3 Piece Baking Sheet Set, 1 Pack, Aluminum
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 349Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 643mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g
Please note that the nutritional information listed on this page is an estimation based on the products I used. Ingredients and nutritional information can vary significantly between brands. Always be sure to read labels. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Likewise, recipes may contain errors, so please use common sense when following them.