Pin it Experience a lively Tex-Mex platter combining smoky shredded chicken with crispy tortilla chips. Layered with melty cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, spicy pickled jalapeños, and fresh toppings like tomato, cilantro, and avocado, this dish offers a balance of bold and fresh flavors. Bake until bubbly, then serve with sour cream and lime wedges for a flavorful, shareable treat perfect for casual get-togethers and game nights.
The Super Bowl was winding down, everyone was stuffed from wings, but somehow when I brought out this tray of nachos, plates appeared out of nowhere. That magical moment when cheese stretches from chip to mouth, someone reaches for another, and suddenly the platter is empty.
My friend Sarah claimed she did not like jalapeños until she tried these pickled ones baked into the cheese. Now she requests extra slices every time. There is something about that heat cutting through rich, melted cheese that just works.
Ingredients
- Pulled Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves so much time, and tossing it with smoked paprika and cumin gives it that authentic smoky depth without hours of preparation
- Barbecue Sauce: Chipotle sauce adds incredible depth, but any good quality barbecue sauce works perfectly for coating the chicken
- Tortilla Chips: Sturdy, restaurant style chips are essential here because thin chips will turn to mush under all those toppings
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides that bold flavor punch that stands up to the smoky chicken
- Monterey Jack: This melts beautifully and creates those gorgeous cheese pulls everyone loves
- Pickled Jalapeños: They add the perfect vinegary heat that cuts through all the rich cheese and chicken
- Red Onion: Thin slices get sweet and mellow in the oven, adding a nice contrast to the spicy elements
- Fresh Garnishes: Tomato, cilantro, avocado, and lime bring brightness that balances the heavy, melted components
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until every piece is coated in that smoky, spiced mixture.
- Layer the Base:
- Spread those sturdy tortilla chips across your lined baking sheet, then scatter the seasoned chicken evenly over the chips so every bite gets some of that smoky goodness.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle both cheddar and Monterey Jack generously over everything, then top with jalapeño slices and thin red onion strips.
- Melt It All Together:
- Bake at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and starting to turn golden in spots.
- Finish Fresh:
- Pull the tray from the oven and immediately scatter with diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and avocado if you are using it, then serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Pin it Last Friday, my roommate walked in while these were bubbling away in the oven and immediately texted three friends to come over. The smell of barbecue chicken and melting cheese has this magnetic pull that somehow summons people to the kitchen.
Make It Your Own
Black beans or corn kernels scattered between the layers add protein and sweetness that balances the heat. I have also added refried beans in thin layers which creates this incredible creamy texture that people always ask about.
Serving Strategy
Put out small bowls of extra jalapeños, hot sauce, and pickled red onions so guests can customize their heat level. A cold Mexican lager or margarita on the side makes everything better.
Getting Ahead
You can mix and refrigerate the seasoned chicken up to two days ahead, and all your fresh toppings can be prepped and stored separately. Just do not assemble everything until you are ready to bake or the chips will get soggy.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment before starting
- Keep fresh garnishes cold until the nachos come out of the oven
- Serve immediately because nachos wait for no one
Pin it These nachos have turned regular Tuesday dinners into occasions, and that is really what comfort food is supposed to do.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
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Shredded cooked chicken breast is ideal, especially when mixed with barbecue or chipotle sauce for smoky flavor.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
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Yes, add fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat tailored to your taste.
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
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A combination of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses creates a creamy and melty topping.
- → How do I keep the chips crispy after baking?
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Spread chips evenly and bake just until cheese melts to prevent sogginess and maintain crisp texture.
- → Are there good side pairings for this dish?
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It pairs excellently with a cold Mexican lager or a refreshing margarita to complement the bold flavors.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
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Absolutely, fresh diced tomato, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges add freshness and balance.
