Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos

Name: Restaurant Style Chicken Nachos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 portions
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp taco seasoning; 1 bag tortilla chips (about 350g); 2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated); 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained); 1 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled); 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup guacamole; 1/2 cup salsa

30 min 6 portions Easy

All Recipes

Crispy, cheesy chicken nachos just like at your favourite restaurant.

Prep

20 min

Cook

10 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Nachos are a staple at any fun gathering, beloved for their crispy texture, gooey cheese, and endless topping possibilities. This restaurant-style chicken nachos recipe brings the crowd-pleasing taste and texture of your favourite eatery right to your kitchen. Making these nachos at home allows you to customize the toppings to suit your taste while ensuring each chip is perfectly loaded. The secret to these restaurant-quality nachos is in the layering technique and using freshly grated cheese for optimal meltability. Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or craving a snack for a movie night, these chicken nachos are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and hearty appetizer.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and shredded chicken. Sprinkle taco seasoning and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.

Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange the first layer

On a large baking sheet, spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer.

Pro tip: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Add toppings

Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken, black beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, and cheese over the chips.

Pro tip: Ensure even distribution for every bite to have toppings.

Repeat layers

Add another layer of chips and repeat the topping process with remaining ingredients.

Bake the nachos

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Pro tip: Watch closely to prevent burning.

Serve immediately

Remove from oven and serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

Pro tip: Garnish with chopped cilantro for added freshness.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
Layer your nachos to ensure even distribution of toppings.
Pre-cook chicken to ensure it's juicy and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes nachos restaurant-style?

Restaurant-style nachos have perfectly melted cheese, evenly distributed toppings, and are served hot for maximum flavour.

How many calories are in chicken nachos?

Each serving of these chicken nachos contains approximately 450 calories.

Can I make nachos ahead of time?

You can prepare the toppings in advance, but assemble and bake the nachos just before serving for best results.

How long to bake nachos in the oven?

Bake the nachos at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What toppings are best for chicken nachos?

Freshly grated cheese, black beans, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and cooked chicken are great toppings for chicken nachos.

Can these nachos be made vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more beans or a plant-based protein.

Do I need to use freshly grated cheese?

Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded, packed cheese due to fewer additives.

Serving Suggestions

These restaurant-style chicken nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted. For a complete meal, pair them with a side of fresh guacamole, salsa, and sour cream to enhance the flavours. If you're planning to make these ahead of time, prepare the chicken and chop the toppings in advance, but assemble and bake the nachos right before serving to maintain their crispy texture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the chips may lose some crispiness.

Nutrition per serving

450

Calories

25g

Protein

20g

Fat

See the whole store

Baking · Loaf Pans

USA Pans 9 x 5 x 2.75-Inch Loaf Pan, Aluminized Steel with Americoat

$16.95

BBQ & Outdoor Cooking · BBQ Pizza Stones

VEVOR Pizza Stone, 15 in Round Cordierite Pizza Stone, Extra Large Baking-Stone with Aluminum Peel, 0.67 in Thickness Heat-Resistant Cooking Cordierite, for Kitchen Oven, Baking Pizzas, BBQ Grilling

$42.90

Pit Boss Grills

Apple Blend Hardwood Pellets

$12.99

Affiliate links. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed at least every 24 hours.