Description
Cheesy Chicken Nachos
Ingredients:
For the nachos:
1 bag of tortilla chips (or your preferred nacho chips)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small tomato, diced
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the cheese sauce:
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the cheese sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to make a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the nachos:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a baking sheet, spread out a layer of tortilla chips. Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the chips, followed by the chopped onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled queso fresco.
Bake the nachos:
Place the assembled nachos in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the chips are slightly crisped.
Top with cheese sauce:
Once the nachos are out of the oven, drizzle the cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the nachos for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve your cheesy chicken nachos hot and enjoy them as a tasty snack or appetizer!
These cheesy nachos with chicken and melted cheese are perfect for parties, game nights, or whenever you crave a satisfying snack!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect nachos every time. First, ensure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded. While your oven preheats to 375°F (190°C), prepare your cheese sauce. The key is to whisk the milk into the butter-flour roux gradually to prevent a lumpy sauce. For assembly, use a large, rimmed baking sheet. Create a single, even layer of chips, slightly overlapping. Distribute toppings evenly, starting with chicken, then onions, tomatoes, olives, and cheeses, ensuring coverage to the edges. Bake on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes, watching closely after 10 minutes to prevent burning. Immediately after removing from the oven, drizzle with warm cheese sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these nachos directly on the baking sheet for a fun, communal experience. Accompany with small bowls of extra toppings for customization, such as jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo. For a complete meal, pair with a light Mexican-style salad or a bowl of black bean soup. They are perfect for game day, movie nights, or as a festive party appetizer.
How-to Summary
To make Cheesy Chicken Nachos: 1) Make a smooth cheese sauce from a roux, milk, and cheddar. 2) On a baking sheet, layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken, onion, tomato, olives, and cheeses. 3) Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts. 4) Drizzle with cheese sauce and top with fresh cilantro before serving hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these nachos ahead of time? You can prep components ahead—shred chicken, chop veggies, and make cheese sauce (reheat gently with a splash of milk). Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain chip crispness.
What’s the best cheese for melting? Cheddar provides great flavor and melt. For even creamier results, add a small amount of Monterey Jack or pepper jack to the mix.
How do I prevent soggy nachos? Avoid overloading with wet toppings. Bake on a single layer, and add juicy items like fresh salsa or sour cream after baking. Ensure your chicken is not overly moist.
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground beef, seasoned pulled pork, or black beans are excellent substitutes for the chicken.
How do I reheat leftover nachos? Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes. The microwave will make the chips very soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Piling chips too high creates uneven cooking and soggy bottom layers.
- Using Cold Toppings: Adding cold shredded chicken straight from the fridge can lower the oven temperature and extend cooking time.
- Neglecting the Roux: Not cooking the flour and butter mixture for a minute before adding milk can result in a raw flour taste in the cheese sauce.
- Baking at Too High a Temperature: This will burn the chips before the cheese fully melts. Stick to 375°F (190°C).
Conclusion
These Cheesy Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleasing dish that masterfully combines texture and flavor. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly melted, crispy, and delicious snack. The customizable nature of the recipe allows for endless variation, making it a reliable go-to for any casual gathering. Serve them hot and watch them disappear!