Pulled Chicken Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Pulled Chicken Nachos are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal. Crispy tortilla chips are smothered in seasoned pulled chicken, melted cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings, creating a flavor-packed combination that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or as the main dish, these nachos are sure to be a hit.

The tender, flavorful pulled chicken combined with gooey melted cheese and the crunch of crispy chips creates the ultimate nacho experience. Topped with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream, these nachos offer the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and creamy. This recipe walks you through each step to create the perfect Pulled Chicken Nachos, with tips for success and suggestions for making them your own.

Why You’ll Love Pulled Chicken Nachos

• Loaded with Flavor: From the seasoned pulled chicken to the melted cheese and zesty toppings, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a savory, satisfying treat that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
• Crispy and Creamy: The contrast between the crunchy tortilla chips, tender pulled chicken, and creamy toppings creates a delightful texture in every bite.
• Easy to Customize: You can make these nachos your own by adjusting the toppings or spicing up the chicken. Whether you want extra cheese, spicy jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole, the options are endless.
• Great for Any Occasion: These nachos are perfect for sharing at parties, watching sports with friends, or even a family dinner. They’re versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, a main course, or a side dish.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few key ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that’s easy to make without any special equipment or ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and toppings.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 18-22g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Pulled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Nachos:

• 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 cups)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (optional, for added spice)
• 1 small avocado, diced (optional)
• ½ cup sour cream (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pulled Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken breasts. In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until browned. Add the chicken broth (or water) to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set the pulled chicken aside.

2. Prepare the Nacho Base

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the chicken is simmering, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. You can use a rimmed sheet or a large oven-safe dish for this. If needed, you may need two sheets to avoid overcrowding the chips.

Evenly distribute the pulled chicken over the chips, ensuring that each chip gets a good amount of the shredded chicken. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. The combination of cheeses will melt together for a creamy, cheesy layer.

3. Bake the Nachos

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the nachos to make sure they don’t burn. The edges of the chips should be golden, and the cheese should be completely melted.

Once the nachos are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly.

4. Prepare the Toppings

While the nachos are baking, prepare your toppings. Dice the tomato, red onion, and avocado (if using). Slice the jalapeños and chop the cilantro.

Squeeze a little lime juice over the diced tomato, onion, and avocado to help keep them fresh and vibrant. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If you like your nachos spicier, you can add more jalapeños to the mix.

5. Assemble and Serve the Nachos

Once the nachos are out of the oven and the cheese is perfectly melted, it’s time to top them. Evenly distribute the diced tomato, red onion, jalapeños, and avocado over the nachos. Add a few dollops of sour cream on top, then garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

For a final touch, squeeze some extra lime juice over the nachos to bring all the flavors together.

Serve the Pulled Chicken Nachos immediately, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pulled Chicken Nachos

• Shred the Chicken Well: For the best texture, make sure the chicken is shredded into small, bite-sized pieces. This helps distribute the chicken evenly across the nachos and ensures every bite has a little bit of chicken in it.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Chips: When assembling the nachos, make sure the chips are evenly distributed and not overcrowded. If they’re too packed together, the cheese may not melt evenly, and some chips might stay dry.
• Use a Mix of Cheeses: Combining cheddar and mozzarella gives you the best of both worlds—cheddar offers a sharp, tangy flavor, while mozzarella creates a smooth, gooey texture. Feel free to experiment with other cheese blends, such as pepper jack for an added kick.
• Customize the Heat Level: If you want your nachos to be milder, use fewer jalapeños or skip them altogether. If you like a spicier version, you can add hot sauce or extra chili powder to the pulled chicken before assembling the nachos.
• Add Guacamole for Extra Creaminess: If you love guacamole, feel free to add a dollop on top of the nachos or serve it on the side for dipping. The creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken and crispy chips.

Variations of Pulled Chicken Nachos

• BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos: For a different flavor profile, mix barbecue sauce into the pulled chicken. The smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor to the nachos.
• Buffalo Pulled Chicken Nachos: For a spicy twist, toss the pulled chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the chips. Top with blue cheese crumbles or ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Nachos: If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the pulled chicken with black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables like peppers and onions. These will still provide the hearty texture you want while offering a lighter alternative.
• Tex-Mex Pulled Chicken Nachos: Add sliced olives, jalapeños, and a dollop of salsa to the nachos for a Tex-Mex twist. You can even use a sprinkle of taco seasoning on the chicken for more flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Nachos: Add roasted corn, diced red bell peppers, and cilantro to the nachos for a southwestern flair. The sweetness of the corn complements the spiciness of the chicken beautifully.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pulled Chicken Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the chips will lose their crispiness after being stored, but the flavors will still be delicious.

To reheat the nachos, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is re-melted and bubbly. You can also reheat the chicken and chips separately and then assemble the nachos again for the freshest results.

If you plan to make nachos in advance, prepare the pulled chicken and toppings separately and store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, assemble the nachos and bake them as usual.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pulled Chicken Nachos

Pair these loaded nachos with complementary sides to complete the meal:

• Mexican Rice: Serve the nachos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice to soak up all the delicious flavors and add a hearty touch to the meal.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a perfect side dish for nachos. The smooth texture contrasts nicely with the crunch of the chips.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: For a summer BBQ-style meal, serve the nachos with grilled corn on the cob. You can sprinkle the corn with chili powder and lime juice for added flavor.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Serve the nachos with a side of fresh guacamole and salsa for dipping. The creamy guacamole and tangy salsa complement the flavors of the nachos perfectly.

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Conclusion

Pulled Chicken Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious meal, these nachos are sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Customize the toppings and spice level to suit your preferences, and enjoy a plate of these indulgent nachos with family and friends!