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Ultimate Loaded Chicken Nachos Recipe

Ultimate Loaded Chicken Nachos Recipe

Crisp tortilla chips are layered with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, jalapeno, red onion, and plenty of melted cheese, then finished with fresh toppings. This hearty appetizer serves six and is ready in about 35 to 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Lime juice
Nachos
  • 12 ounces Sturdy tortilla chips
  • 15 ounces Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Corn kernels
  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican-blend cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination
  • 1/2 cup Finely diced red onion
  • 1 Jalapeno, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup, optional Salsa
Toppings
  • 1 Medium tomato, seeded and diced
  • 1 Ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup Sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 1 Lime, cut into wedges
Optional Toppings
  • As desired Pickled jalapenos, guacamole, or additional salsa

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil.
  2. Pat the chicken dry and rub it with the oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice and toss with the lime juice.
  4. Spread half of the tortilla chips over the prepared baking sheet. Add half of the chicken, black beans, corn, red onion, jalapeno, and cheese, then repeat with the remaining chips and toppings.
  5. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the chip edges are lightly browned. Avoid overbaking, since the chips can become excessively dry.
  6. Immediately add the tomato, avocado, green onions, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, and any other cold toppings. Serve hot with lime wedges.

Notes

For a shortcut, use 3 cups shredded cooked rotisserie chicken. Season it with the same spice mixture and warm it briefly in a skillet before assembling; preparation takes about 10 minutes and total cooking takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain beans and corn thoroughly, and add wet toppings after baking.