Best Chicken Nachos Recipe
These are the best chicken nachos loaded with juicy shredded chicken simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, melty cheese, salsa con queso, and all the toppings.
Servings: 6
Calories: 691kcal
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper chopped
- 1 pound skinless chicken breast chicken thighs are good, too
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder or use your favorite taco seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
FOR THE CHICKEN NACHOS
- 12 ounce bag tortilla chips
- 15 ounce jar salsa con queso use half the jar for less cheesy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or use your favorite melty cheeses
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers thinly sliced (use serrano peppers for extra heat)
- FOR TOPPING: Guacamole, chopped tomato, fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream or Mexican crema – use your favorites!
Instructions
FOR THE CHICKEN
- Heat the oil in a large pan to medium heat and add the onions and jalapeno peppers. Cook them down for 5 minutes to soften.
- Add the garlic and stir. Cook for 1 minute.
- Season the chicken breast (or thighs) with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Give them a nice sear on each side, a couple minute each.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and seasonings (chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper).
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with a couple of forks.
- Return the chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce another 2-3 minutes (this sauce is a key to HUGE flavor).
CHICKEN NACHOS ASSEMBLY
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread the tortilla chips over a large baking sheet, baking dish or pan, or large oven safe bowl.
- Top the tortillas with salsa con queso, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, and jalapeno slices. (NOTE: You can do this in layers for better distribution.)
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve!
Notes
Nutritional information estimated without toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 691kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 1294mg | Potassium: 592mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1199IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 404mg | Iron: 2mg