Pulled Chicken Nachos Jalapeños (Printable)
Crispy chips topped with smoky pulled chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and fresh garnishes for gatherings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pulled Chicken
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce or chipotle sauce
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon cumin
06 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Nachos Base
07 - 7 oz sturdy tortilla chips
→ Toppings
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
10 - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices
11 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 medium tomato, diced
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
14 - 1 avocado, diced (optional)
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream
16 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until chicken is evenly coated.
03 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Scatter the pulled chicken evenly over the chips.
05 - Sprinkle both cheeses evenly over the chicken and chips.
06 - Top with jalapeño slices and red onion.
07 - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven. Top with diced tomato, cilantro, and avocado if using. Serve immediately with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It transforms leftover chicken into something people actually get excited about eating
- The smoky barbecue chicken with sharp cheddar creates layers of flavor that basic nachos just cannot match
02 -
- Never skip the parchment paper because cheese that melts onto the baking sheet becomes a nightmare to clean
- Adding fresh toppings after baking keeps them crisp and bright instead of hot and wilted
03 -
- Spread chips in a single layer rather than mounding them so every chip gets properly covered with cheese
- Buy a bag of chips specifically labeled restaurant style or sturdy because thin chips crumble under the weight of toppings