Pulled Chicken Nachos Jalapeños (Printable)
Crispy chips layered with smoky chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and fresh toppings for a flavorful snack.
# 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 freshly ground black 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
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
16 - 1 lime cut into wedges for serving
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
03 - Spread tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they cover the surface without excessive overlap.
04 - Distribute the seasoned pulled chicken evenly over the tortilla chips.
05 - Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses uniformly over the chicken and chips. Top with jalapeño slices and red onion.
06 - Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven. Top with diced tomato, cilantro, and avocado. Serve immediately with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The smoky pulled chicken transforms ordinary nachos into something people literally hover over
- Everything happens in one pan, leaving you more time for actually hanging out with your people
02 -
- Soggy nachos happen when you add too many wet ingredients before baking, so keep tomatoes and avocado for afterward
- A cast iron skillet creates an incredible crispy edge, but a baking sheet gives you more surface area for feeding a crowd
03 -
- Layer the chips and toppings instead of piling everything on top, so every bite has all the flavors
- Let the nachos rest for three minutes after baking, the cheese sets up slightly and toppings stay put better