Introduction
Get ready to dive into a delicious platter of homemade sheet pan chicken nachos. Perfect for game day, movie night, or just a satisfying snack, these nachos are loaded with flavors and topped with your favorite ingredients. The combination of seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings create a mouthwatering treat that is easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Detailed Ingredients
– Tortilla chips
– Boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into small strips
– Queso (white queso recommended)
– Shredded cheese (Mexican blend or pepper jack)
– Pico de Gallo
– Taco seasoning
– Chopped onion
Optional Toppings:
– Black beans
– Fire-roasted corn
– Jalapeño slices
– Refried beans
– Salsa
– Guacamole
– Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
– Avocado slices
– Mexican street corn salsa
– Additional shredded cheese
– Lime juice
– Cilantro
– Taco sauce
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken strips with taco seasoning.
– For added flavor, cook the chicken with 1 tablespoon each of tequila and lime juice.
– Cook the chicken until fully cooked and set aside.
2. Assemble the Nachos:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread tortilla chips evenly on a sheet pan.
– Drizzle a moderate amount of queso over the chips to avoid sogginess.
– Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the chips.
– Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
– Add chopped onion and Pico de Gallo as desired.
3. Bake:
– Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven.
– Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heating.
4. Add Optional Toppings:
– After removing from the oven, add any desired cold toppings such as black beans, fire-roasted corn, jalapeño slices, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, avocado slices, Mexican street corn salsa, additional shredded cheese, lime juice, cilantro, or taco sauce.
5. Serve:
– Serve immediately while warm.
Enjoy your homemade sheet pan chicken nachos!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken strips with taco seasoning.
– For added flavor, cook the chicken with 1 tablespoon each of tequila and lime juice.
– Cook the chicken until fully cooked and set aside.
Assemble the Nachos:
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread tortilla chips evenly on a sheet pan.
– Drizzle a moderate amount of queso over the chips to avoid sogginess.
– Distribute the cooked chicken evenly over the chips.
– Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
– Add chopped onion and Pico de Gallo as desired.
Bake:
– Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven.
– Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
– Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even heating.
Add Optional Toppings:
– After removing from the oven, add any desired cold toppings such as black beans, fire-roasted corn, jalapeño slices, refried beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, avocado slices, Mexican street corn salsa, additional shredded cheese, lime juice, cilantro, or taco sauce.
Serve:
– Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Chicken Preparation:
– Ensure that the chicken is cut into small strips for even cooking.
– You can substitute the tequila and lime juice with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Queso and Cheese:
– White queso pairs well with the flavors, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
– Consider mixing different types of cheese for added flavor.
Customizing Toppings:
– Experiment with other toppings to match your taste preferences.
– Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can enhance flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
– These nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for the ultimate meltiness.
– Pair with your favorite drinks for a complete snack experience.
Cook Techniques
Seasoning the Chicken
Season the boneless, skinless chicken tenders with taco seasoning for a burst of flavor. For an extra kick, enhance the flavor with a mixture of tequila and lime juice while cooking.
Layering Nachos
To prevent sogginess, drizzle a moderate amount of queso over the tortilla chips before adding the other ingredients. This creates a barrier and keeps the chips crispy.
Even Baking
Rotate the sheet pan halfway through the baking process to ensure that the cheese melts evenly and achieves a bubbly texture across all nachos.
Serving Temperature
Serve the nachos immediately after baking for the best experience. They are most enjoyable when warm and the cheese is still gooey.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Just shred or chop it into pieces and mix with taco seasoning before assembling the nachos.
What can I use instead of queso?
If you don’t have queso, you can substitute with melted cheese or a cheese sauce of your choice. Just ensure it has a creamy texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can omit the chicken and add more beans, fire-roasted corn, or additional veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Can I prepare nachos in advance?
While the nachos are best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients in advance and assemble them just before baking to avoid sogginess.
What are some good variations to try?
Feel free to experiment with different toppings like pulled pork, shrimp, or various cheeses to customize your nachos to your preference.
Conclusion
Savor the delightful combination of flavors in these homemade sheet pan chicken nachos. With the versatility to customize the toppings, these nachos are perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in. Enjoy the melty cheese, seasoned chicken, and fresh toppings that bring a burst of flavor in every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Quesadilla
Create a flavorful quesadilla by filling a tortilla with seasoned chicken, cheese, and Pico de Gallo before grilling it to a crispy perfection.
Taco Salad
Layer tortilla chips, seasoned chicken, black beans, fire-roasted corn, and your choice of toppings for a satisfying salad.
Chicken Tacos
Use the seasoned chicken to fill soft or hard taco shells along with shredded cheese, chopped onions, and any desired toppings for an easy meal.
Queso Dip
Melt queso cheese with a mix of cooked chicken, black beans, and jalapeños for a creamy dip perfect for tortilla chips.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Combine fire-roasted corn with lime juice, cilantro, and queso fresco for a refreshing side dish that pairs well with any Mexican-inspired meal.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a mixture of seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese, then bake until tender for a wholesome dish.
Guacamole Toast
Spread guacamole on toasted bread and top with seasoned chicken and Pico de Gallo for a quick, delicious open-faced sandwich.
Cheesy Chicken Bake
Layer seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, and Pico de Gallo in a baking dish for an easy casserole-style dish that’s comforting and satisfying.
Chicken and Black Bean Burritos
Wrap seasoned chicken, black beans, and cheese in a tortilla, and grill for a delicious burrito that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
