What’s better than regular nachos? A big tray of hot, cheesy baked chicken nachos!
These loaded nachos take your typical chips-and-cheese combo to the next level with seasoned shredded chicken and all the fixings. Perfect for game day, movie night, or whenever you need to feed a hungry crowd. Trust me – once you put this platter on the table, it won’t stick around for long.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the Mexican Shredded Chicken, consider using shredded jackfruit as a vegetarian alternative. Jackfruit has a similar texture and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of chicken. Adjust cooking time as jackfruit requires less time to cook than chicken. Colby Jack cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free cheese alternative for those avoiding dairy. Look for brands that melt well, such as those made from cashews or coconut oil. Use in equal amounts as the original recipe. Black beans can be substituted with pinto beans or refried beans for a different texture and flavor profile. If using refried beans, spread them on the chips before adding other toppings. These alternatives maintain the dish’s Mexican-inspired flavors while accommodating various dietary preferences.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 100-110 g
- Fat: 120-130 g
- Carbohydrates: 180-200 g
Ingredients
- 3 cups grated colby jack cheese
- 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained, I use Goya brand)
- 1/2 portion shredded mexican chicken
- salsa
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 1 small roma tomato (finely diced)
- sour cream (for serving)
- guacamole
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F.
Spray a 10×15 inch baking sheet with nonstick spray, or for easy cleanup, line it with aluminum foil.
This will prevent the nachos from sticking and make transferring them easier after baking.
Step 2: Layer the First Batch of Tortilla Chips and Toppings
Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
Then, sprinkle 1 cup of cheese over these chips, ensuring a good coverage for that cheesy base.
In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, heat your black beans until warmed through, which should take about 45 seconds.
Spread half of these warm beans and also half of the shredded Mexican chicken evenly over the tops of the chips and cheese.
Step 3: Layer the Second Batch and Finalize Cheese
Repeat the layering process with the remaining half of your ingredients.
Spread the rest of the tortilla chips over your existing layers, followed by another layer of cheese.
Add the remaining black beans and shredded Mexican chicken, finishing with a generous sprinkling of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake and Add Fresh Toppings
Bake your layered nachos in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven carefully.
Top your baked nachos with freshly chopped tomato and green onion, adding a burst of color and freshness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your nachos immediately with your choice of desired toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños.
Enjoy your delicious, layered nachos with friends and family!
