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Chicken Nachos Recipe
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5 from 2 ratings

Chicken Nachos Recipe

These are the best chicken nachos loaded with juicy, saucy shredded chicken, melty cheese and salsa con queso for extra cheesiness, and all the toppings!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salsa con queso, shredded chicken, tortillas
Servings: 6
Calories: 691kcal
Author: Mike Hultquist

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