Mexican Chicken Nachos

There’s something special about gathering friends and family for a casual night in, and the centerpiece is always a plate of Mexican Chicken Nachos. Whether it’s game night or just a cozy dinner, these nachos have a charm that makes everyone feel at home. I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of spices, and the sound of sizzling chicken as it cooked on the stove was music to my ears. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, and every bite is a delightful explosion of flavor.

As the cheese melted over the crispy tortilla chips, I could hardly wait to dig in. I had invited a few friends over, and as we gathered around the table, the vibrant colors of the toppings made the nachos not just a meal but a feast for the eyes. Each layer of flavor—from the seasoned chicken to the tangy jalapeños—created a delicious harmony that had everyone coming back for more. There’s something magical about sharing food, and these nachos were the star of the evening.

Next time you’re thinking of what to make for a gathering, remember that the best memories are often made around simple, delicious food like Mexican Chicken Nachos. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized to suit everyone’s tastes, making them the perfect choice for any occasion.

Ingredient List for Mexican Chicken Nachos

The ingredients for Mexican Chicken Nachos are not only flavorful but also work beautifully together. Each component plays a crucial role, creating a mouthwatering dish that delights the senses. The key players include the crispy tortilla chips, which serve as the perfect base, and the seasoned chicken, providing protein and richness. The combination of beans adds texture and heartiness, while the cheese melts into a gooey layer of goodness. Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños add a refreshing crunch, making every bite a balanced experience.

• 1 pound ground chicken (or cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded) – The star protein that gives the nachos their heartiness, seasoned to perfection.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for enhancing the flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder – Adds warmth and a subtle kick that brings the essence of Mexican cuisine to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Contributes a sweet and smoky flavor that balances the heat.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – A classic seasoning that adds depth and a hint of spiciness.
• ½ teaspoon cumin – A warm spice that gives an earthy flavor, enhancing the regional flair of the dish.
• ½ teaspoon coriander – Adds a fresh citrusy note that brightens the overall profile.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing the chicken to achieve a nice golden color and flavor.
• ⅓ cup canned black beans (drained) – Introduces fiber and additional protein, making the dish more filling.
• ⅓ cup canned pinto beans (drained) – Complements the black beans and adds another layer of texture.
• ⅓ cup canned white beans (drained) – A good source of protein and creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
• 6 cups tortilla chips – The crispy base for the nachos that holds everything together.
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend – Melts beautifully and adds that gooey, cheesy goodness we crave.
• 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños (sliced) – Adds a tangy and spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• 1 cup shredded lettuce – Provides freshness and a lovely crunch that balances the richness of the toppings.
• ½ cup black olives – Adds a briny flavor that contrasts well with the other ingredients.
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (sliced) – Brings a burst of juiciness and color to the dish.
• 1 avocado (sliced) – Adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the nachos more satisfying.
• 2 tablespoons red onion (sliced) – Introduces a sharpness that complements the other toppings.
• ½ cup sour cream – A creamy topping that adds richness and helps cool down the spice.
• fresh cilantro (chopped) – For garnish and a fresh herbal flavor that enhances the dish.
• lime slices – A zesty addition to drizzle over the nachos, brightening the overall taste.

Cooking Method for Mexican Chicken Nachos

Cooking Mexican Chicken Nachos is as enjoyable as eating them! The process is straightforward and allows for some creativity. Once you have your ingredients ready, you’ll find the steps easy to follow, resulting in delicious nachos that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the cooking process and make this delicious dish together.

1. Start by placing the ground chicken in a large bowl. Add the kosher salt, chili powder, paprika, ground black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the spices, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
2. Next, heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Using a wooden spatula, break up the meat as it cooks. You’ll want to sauté it until it’s cooked through completely, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the meat to turn a lovely golden brown color.
3. After the chicken is cooked, add in the black beans, pinto beans, and white beans to the skillet. Mix everything together well, allowing the beans to heat through and mingle with the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. While this mixture is warming, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier later on.
5. Now it’s time to assemble the nachos! Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer across the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they cover the entire surface, as this will serve as the foundation for all the delicious toppings.
6. Spoon the ground chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Be generous! You want to ensure every chip has a hearty portion of the mixture.
7. Next, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chips and the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy; the more cheese, the better!
8. Top everything with the sliced jalapeños. Their pickled flavor adds a delightful zing to the nachos.
9. Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
10. Once out of the oven, it’s time to plate your nachos. Top them with freshly shredded lettuce, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and the sliced avocado. Add red onion, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for the final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful explosion of flavors!

Tips and Tricks about Mexican Chicken Nachos

When making Mexican Chicken Nachos, there are a few tips that can enhance your experience and ensure they come out perfectly every time. Let’s explore some helpful pointers.

• Storage: It’s best to store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep toppings separate to maintain the crunch of the chips.
• Freezing: Although nachos are best fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken mixture for future use. Just reheat before assembling the nachos.
• Pairing: Serve Mexican Chicken Nachos with a side of guacamole or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try adding fresh jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Make it Spicy: If you love heat, consider using spicy cheese or adding more jalapeños to the mix for a flavorful kick.

Serve This Mexican Chicken Nachos With

When it comes to serving Mexican Chicken Nachos, the options are as varied as they are delicious! Here’s how to elevate your serving experience:

• Fresh Dips: Serve your nachos with a side of creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, or cool sour cream to enhance the flavor profile.
• Casual Gatherings: Perfect for game nights or casual get-togethers, these nachos create a fun and interactive dining experience.
• Family Dinner: Make Mexican Chicken Nachos a family dinner staple. Everyone can customize their plate with desired toppings, making it fun for all ages.
• Occasions: Great for parties, birthdays, or even movie nights, these nachos fit right in with any celebration.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
• Seasonal Pairing: Pair with a chilled drink like lemonade or iced tea for the perfect summer meal, or serve alongside a warm soup in the colder months.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Mexican Chicken Nachos are not just a dish; they’re an experience that brings people together around the table. The combination of flavors, textures, and colors creates a delightful meal that is both satisfying and fun to share. I encourage you to try making these nachos for your next gathering or cozy night in. They’re sure to impress your guests and leave everyone with happy smiles. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade nachos!

Mexican Chicken Nachos

Craving something delicious? Try these easy Mexican Chicken Nachos! Featuring crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for game nights or gatherings. Satisfy your cravings and impress your guests with this crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Blender
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Ground Chicken or cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• ½ teaspoon Cumin
• ½ teaspoon Coriander
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• ⅓ cup Canned Black Beans drained
• ⅓ cup Canned Pinto Beans drained
• ⅓ cup Canned White Beans drained
• 6 cups Tortilla Chips
• 1 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
• 2 tablespoons Pickled Jalapeños sliced
• 1 cup Shredded Lettuce
• ½ cup Black Olives
• ½ cup Cherry Tomatoes sliced
• 1 Avocado sliced
• 2 tablespoons Red Onion sliced
• ½ cup Sour Cream
• Fresh Cilantro chopped
• Lime slices

Instructions

 

• Start by placing the ground chicken in a large bowl. Add the kosher salt, chili powder, paprika, ground black pepper, cumin, and coriander. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the spices, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Next, heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Using a wooden spatula, break up the meat as it cooks. You’ll want to sauté it until it’s cooked through completely, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Watch for the meat to turn a lovely golden brown color.
• After the chicken is cooked, add in the black beans, pinto beans, and white beans to the skillet. Mix everything together well, allowing the beans to heat through and mingle with the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes.
• While this mixture is warming, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier later on.
• Now it’s time to assemble the nachos! Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer across the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they cover the entire surface, as this will serve as the foundation for all the delicious toppings.
• Spoon the ground chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Be generous! You want to ensure every chip has a hearty portion of the mixture.
• Next, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend evenly over the chips and the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy; the more cheese, the better!
• Top everything with the sliced jalapeños. Their pickled flavor adds a delightful zing to the nachos.
• Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
• Once out of the oven, it’s time to plate your nachos. Top them with freshly shredded lettuce, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and the sliced avocado. Add red onion, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for the final touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the wonderful explosion of flavors!

Notes

• If your spice cabinet is a little bare: Swap the spices used for the chicken with a packet of taco seasoning.
• Drain Beans: Make sure all of the beans are fully drained before adding them. Any extra moisture will weigh down the chips and make them soggy.
• Preheat the Oven: Be sure to let the oven fully preheat before baking the sheet pan chicken nachos. This is to make sure everything cooks/warms up evenly.

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Meet Sienna Blake

I’m Sienna, the detail-obsessed cook of the group! I specialize in baking and perfecting technical recipes so you never have to guess in the kitchen. I have tested this specific recipe multiple times adjusting the measurements and timing to guarantee it is absolutely foolproof and ready for your table. Trust the process, and I promise you’ll get amazing results!