Get ready to indulge in these ultimate chicken nachos topped with juicy seasoned chicken, creamy melted cheese, and the freshest guacamole. This dish is a perfect crowd-pleaser, ideal for game nights, parties, or even as a fun weeknight dinner. Every bite delivers a delicious balance of crunchy tortilla chips, zesty flavors, and rich avocado goodness.
Key Information
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Serving size: 1 plate of nachos
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Nachos:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 200 g (7 oz) tortilla chips
- 150 g (5.5 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 150 g (5.5 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 50 g (1.8 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Method of Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix the shredded chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is fully coated with the spices. Set aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Nachos
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly over a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
- Sprinkle the seasoned shredded chicken evenly over the tortilla chips.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chicken, ensuring an even layer.
- Scatter the diced red onion, sliced jalapeño, black beans, and diced tomato over the cheese and chicken.
Step 3: Bake the Nachos
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Step 4: Make the Guacamole
- While the nachos are baking, prepare the guacamole. Scoop out the avocados into a bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Stir in the diced tomato, red onion, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Remove the nachos from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
- Serve hot with a generous side of fresh guacamole.
Tips for Culinary Success
- For crispy chips: Spread the chips in a single layer to avoid sogginess.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For a quick option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Custom spice level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeños, or try a hotter chili powder.
- Fresh guacamole: Make the guacamole right before serving to prevent browning.
- Extra cheesy: For a more indulgent bite, double the amount of cheese or mix in a bit of cream cheese with the shredded varieties.
FAQs
- Can I make the nachos ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the chicken and assemble the nachos on the baking sheet, but bake them just before serving to keep the chips crispy.
- What are other toppings I can add? You can add corn, olives, sour cream, or even salsa for extra flavor and variety.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! Feel free to use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the chicken and other toppings separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken and assemble fresh nachos as needed.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the chicken and increase the amount of black beans or use grilled vegetables like peppers and zucchini.
These ultimate chicken nachos with fresh guacamole are the perfect combination of cheesy, crunchy, and fresh. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a delicious snack, this dish is sure to impress. Don't forget to squeeze some lime juice on top for that final zing!