Chicken nachos are a popular Tex-Mex appetizer or snack made from tortilla chips, shredded chicken, and cheese. They are often topped with a variety of other ingredients to add more flavor and texture. Here’s an overview of the main components of chicken nachos and how they are made.
Tortilla Chips
The base of chicken nachos is tortilla chips. These are typically made from corn tortillas that have been cut into wedges or triangles and then fried or baked until crispy. You can use store-bought tortilla chips or make your own by cutting corn tortillas and frying or baking them with a small amount of oil. Restaurant-style nacho chips are often thicker and sturdier than regular tortilla chips.
Shredded Chicken
Shredded cooked chicken is layered on top of the tortilla chips to add protein. Leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken works very well for nachos. You can also poach or simmer chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through, then shred the meat using two forks. Season the shredded chicken with salt, pepper, spices, and a little olive oil or melted butter to add moisture and flavor.
Cheese
Melted cheese is essential for holding the nachos together and adding delicious gooey flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, and Mexican-style cheeses like queso quesadilla or asadero are commonly used. The cheese can be shredded or cut into small cubes and scattered over the chips before broiling or baking the nachos to melt everything together.
Beans
Beans provide fiber, protein, and texture to chicken nachos. Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans are typical choices. They can be heated up with spices and spooned over the chips before adding other toppings.
Salsa
A scoop of salsa adds a tangy, fresh flavor to chicken nachos. Tomato-based salsas work well, like pico de gallo, salsa verde, or salsa roja. You can also use avocado salsa, peach salsa, mango salsa, or other varieties. Spoon the salsa over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.
Jalapeños
Spicy pickled jalapeño pepper slices are a popular nacho topping. They add a hit of heat and crunch. Use fresh sliced jalapeños if you prefer a bolder spicy flavor.
Onions and Cilantro
Onions and cilantro add freshness. Thinly sliced red onions and chopped cilantro leaves can be sprinkled over the nachos before serving.
Sour Cream
Cool and creamy sour cream makes a nice counterpoint to the spicy nachos. It also helps temper some of the heat from jalapeños. Mix in spices like chili powder or cumin for extra flavor.
Guacamole
Creamy, rich guacamole is a delicious topping for chicken nachos. Simply mash up avocados with lime juice, salt, diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and garlic for quick homemade guac.
Hot Sauce
For those who like things extra spicy, drizzle over some hot sauce like Tapatío, Valentina, Cholula, or your favorite brand. You can also add a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese or beans.
Olives
Sliced black olives add saltiness and texture to chicken nachos. Green olives also work if you prefer their briny flavor.
Tomatoes
Chopped fresh tomatoes add juiciness and color to the nachos. Grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half also make a nice topping.
Lettuce
Cool shredded lettuce like iceberg or romaine can be layered over the nachos to provide crunch. This helps balance the rich flavors of the cheese, beans, chicken, etc.
Green Onions
Thinly sliced green onions (scallions) add a nice oniony punch and freshness. Sprinkle them over the finished nachos.
Avocado
Cubed or sliced avocado is a delicious addition. The creamy richness pairs perfectly with spicy nachos.
Corn
For extra corn flavor, add kernels cut fresh off the cob or drained canned or frozen corn.
Radishes
Thinly sliced radishes add peppery crunch and color to chicken nachos.
Pickled Peppers
In addition to jalapeños, you can top nachos with other pickled pepper varieties like banana peppers, cherry peppers, or Cubanelle peppers.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo, also called salsa fresca, is a freshly made salsa with chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It adds a flavorful topping to chicken nachos.
Cotija Cheese
Crumble cotija, a firm Mexican cheese, over the nachos after baking for added salty, nutty flavor.
Cilantro Cream
For a creamy topping, combine sour cream with chopped cilantro, lime juice, minced jalapeños, and cumin.
Fajita Veggies
If you want to add more vegetables, saute sliced bell peppers and onions and spoon them over the nachos.
Chili Sauce
For extra heat and smoky flavor, drizzle the nachos with your favorite chili sauce or hot pepper sauce.
Queso Dip
Warm queso dip is delicious drizzled over or served alongside chicken nachos for dipping.
Making Chicken Nachos
Here is a step-by-step overview of how to make chicken nachos:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Arrange tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet.
- Layer shredded chicken over the chips.
- Top with shredded cheese, beans, salsa, etc.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and top with desired garnishes like onions, guacamole, sour cream, etc.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
The exact order of toppings can be customized based on personal preferences. You can also build individual nacho portions by layering ingredients in single servings on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish before baking.
For a skillet version, heat the shredded chicken in a pan over medium heat. Add cooked beans, salsa, etc. and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Place tortilla chips on a platter and top with the skillet chicken nacho mixture and shredded cheese. Place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Tips for Making Great Chicken Nachos
- Use freshly made tortilla chips rather than stale bagged chips.
- Make sure the chicken is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco.
- Bake just until the cheese is melted to prevent soggy nachos.
- Quickly top the nachos as soon as they come out of the oven.
- Serve with salsa and guacamole for dipping.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like beans, olives, jalapeños etc.
- For convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken.
- Substitute pulled pork or ground beef for the chicken if desired.
- Mix up the chips by using blue corn or flavored tortilla chips.
Ingredients for Chicken Nachos
The ingredients below are for a basic recipe serving 4-6 people:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tortilla chips | 6-8 ounces |
| Shredded cooked chicken | 2 cups |
| Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Beans (black, pinto, refried) | 1 cup |
| Salsa | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Jalapeños | 2-4 sliced |
| Green onions | 2-3 thinly sliced |
| Cilantro | 1-2 Tbsp chopped |
Double or triple the ingredients as needed to serve a larger crowd. You can also experiment with adding different toppings like guacamole, olives, corn, etc.
Variations
There are many possible variations on chicken nachos by using different ingredients:
Chicken Nachos Toppings
- Barbacoa
- Shredded pork carnitas
- Chorizo
- Ground beef
- Bacon
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Sauteed bell peppers and onions
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or squash
- Tomatoes
- Pickled red onions
Cheese Options
- Pepper jack
- Queso fresco
- Oaxaca
- Chihuahua
- Asadero
- Cotija
- Feta
- Goat cheese
Chip Varieties
- Blue corn tortilla chips
- Red, yellow or white corn chips
- Flavored tortilla chips like chili-lime
- Multigrain tortilla chips
- Plantain chips
- Jicama tortilla chips
Bean and Rice Ideas
- Whole pinto or black beans
- Refried beans
- Black bean and corn salsa
- Rice and beans
- Cilantro-lime rice
- Spanish rice
Substitutions
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, here are some possible substitutions:
- Chicken: Shredded pork, chorizo, ground beef or turkey, tofu
- Cheese: Oaxaca, pepper jack, Colby, queso fresco, feta
- Beans: Any variety of beans like kidney, cannellini, pinto
- Tortilla chips: Pita chips, potato chips, crackers
- Salsa: Diced tomatoes with chilies, hot sauce, taco sauce
- Jalapeños: Cherry peppers, Anaheim peppers, green chilies
- Cilantro: Parsley, basil
- Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt
- Onions: Shallots, chives
Get creative with the ingredients you have on hand to make your own customized chicken nachos!
Conclusion
Chicken nachos make the ultimate game day snack, party appetizer, or weeknight meal. They come together quickly by layering tortilla chips with shredded chicken, melted cheese, beans, salsa, and other fun toppings. Feel free to mix and match different ingredients to suit your tastes. Bake or broil the nachos just until the cheese melts to keep them crispy. Serve the nachos immediately while hot and enjoy this tasty Tex-Mex favorite!