Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will satisfy a crowd, look no further than this chicken nacho bake. With juicy chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese, this dish elevates traditional nachos into a hearty meal. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, it brings everyone together around cheesy goodness.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 ounces tortilla chips
¾ cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup guacamole
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This chicken nacho bake is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also customizable to fit your family’s tastes. Whether you prefer more spice, different toppings, or a vegetarian option, you can easily make this dish your own. Enjoy the flavors and the simplicity of this hearty meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Spices
Place the chicken breasts and thighs, salsa, chicken stock, chili powder, and cumin into a 6-quart Instant Pot®. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then gently toss everything to combine evenly.
Step 2: Cook in Instant Pot
Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot®, adjusting the pressure to high. Set the cooking time for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick-release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions to safely release the steam.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot® and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Taste the shredded chicken, and if necessary, adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly oiling it or coating it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Arrange Tortilla Chips
On the prepared baking sheet, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer. Top the chips with 2 cups of the shredded chicken (remember to reserve any remaining chicken for another meal), pico de gallo, and an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the dish until it is heated through and the cheese has melted, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Remove the dish from the oven and serve it immediately. Garnish each serving with guacamole, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Notes
Storage Tips
Leftover shredded chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with additional toppings such as jalapeños, olives, or sliced radishes for a fresh crunch.
Customize to Taste
Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken with roasted vegetables or beans, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Cook techniques
Pressure Cooking
Using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker allows you to cook the chicken quickly while maintaining moisture and flavor. This method reduces the overall cooking time and ensures tender, juicy chicken.
Shredding Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it. This technique helps to create smaller pieces perfect for layering on tortilla chips and ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the dish.
Baking
Baking the assembled dish helps to melt the cheese and crisp the tortilla chips. Preheating the oven ensures that the cooking process is uniform and effective.
Layering Ingredients
Layering the tortilla chips, shredded chicken, pico de gallo, and cheese ensures that each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures. This technique is key for achieving optimal taste in a nacho dish.
Garnishing
Adding guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro as garnishes not only enhances the presentation of the dish but also adds freshness and creaminess that complement the spiciness of the main ingredients.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish can be served as a standalone meal or paired with sides like refried beans, rice, or a simple salad for a more balanced dining experience.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or an extra teaspoon of chili powder to the salsa mix before cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days. When ready to serve, layer and bake as directed.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, black beans, or a meat substitute like tofu or seitan, following the same cooking and assembly instructions.
Conclusion
Enjoy this flavorful chicken nacho bake that brings together tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey melted cheese on a crispy tortilla chip base. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun game day snack. The combination of toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and fresh cilantro elevates this dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Use the shredded chicken mixture to make delicious tacos. Serve with corn tortillas, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Chicken Enchiladas
Fill corn tortillas with the shredded chicken, roll them up, and top with enchilada sauce and cheese before baking until bubbly.
Chicken Quesadillas
Combine the shredded chicken with cheese and your choice of veggies, then grill between tortillas for a crispy quesadilla.
Cheesy Chicken Nachos Supreme
Layer additional toppings such as jalapeños, olives, and black beans on top of the nachos for an extra kick and variety.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Use the shredded chicken as a base for burrito bowls, and add rice, beans, corn, avocado, and salsa for a hearty meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the shredded chicken with quinoa or rice and other veggies, stuff it into halved bell peppers, and bake until tender.
