Description
This Chicken Nachos recipe features succulent shredded chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful tomato and spice sauce, layered generously with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese atop crispy corn tortilla chips. Served with a quick, fresh guacamole and topped with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños, it makes the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack with a delightful balance of savory and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 700 g (1.2 lb) skinless, boneless chicken thighs or breast
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth, separated
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 3 tsp cumin powder
- 3 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Nachos
- 250 g (8 oz) tortilla or plain corn chips
- 250 g (8 oz or 2.5 cups) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream, for topping
- Coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish
- Jalapeño slices or chopped, for garnish
For the Quick Guacamole
- 2 medium avocados
- 3 tbsp coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Nachos Seasoning Paste: In a bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of the chicken broth and mix into a loose paste.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the paste bowl and turn them to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1.5 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot skillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set aside in a shallow dish. Reserve any paste left in the bowl.
- Make the Sauce: Return the skillet to the stove and add the remaining chicken broth, tomato paste, sugar, and scrape in any leftover paste from the bowl. Stir and scrape the base of the pan to dissolve the paste and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Shred the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, shred the chicken using forks or chop it roughly. It’s okay if the chicken is not fully cooked yet.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce, toss well, and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce reduces to a thick consistency. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Keep warm.
- Make Quick Guacamole: In a bowl, place the peeled avocado halves, roughly chopped coriander, and lime juice. Use a potato masher or fork to mash to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Assemble Nachos: On a baking tray, spread half of the tortilla or corn chips in a slightly overlapping layer. Top with half of the warm chicken mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
- Add Remaining Layers: Add remaining chips on top followed by the rest of the shredded cheese.
- Bake Nachos: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 7 minutes or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and sliced jalapeños. Serve immediately with quick guacamole and sour cream on the side.
Notes
- Note 1: Use tortilla chips or plain corn chips for the best authentic texture and flavor.
- Note 2: Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese melts well and complements the bold flavors of the chicken.
- Note 3: Skinless, boneless chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breast, but either works well.
- Note 4: Fresh lime juice adds bright acidity that balances the spicy and rich sauce flavors.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount or omit it if you prefer milder nachos.
- For extra heat, add fresh or pickled jalapeños to the assembled nachos before baking or as garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Chicken Nachos, Mexican Nachos, Cheese Nachos, Guacamole, Party Snacks, Appetizer
