If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious, look no further than this Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for game day, movie night, or just a cozy evening at home. With tender, flavorful shredded chicken, melty cheese, and a variety of toppings, this dish is sure to please everyone gathered around the table. Let’s dive into the details and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible nachos!

Top Reasons to Make Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and shredded chicken creates a savory and satisfying bite.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings to suit your taste preferences.
Perfect for Sharing: This dish is ideal for gatherings, making it easy to serve a crowd.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.

What You’ll Need

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, tenders, etc.)
3 tablespoons avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
Juice of one lime (about 1 tbsp)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
24 ounces evaporated milk (two 12 oz cans)
2 small jalapeños (finely diced, about 3 tablespoons)
1.5 pounds white American cheese (freshly shredded)
1.5 pounds pepper jack cheese (freshly shredded)
Salt to taste
18 ounces tortilla chips (use a firm chip that can handle the weight)
15 ounces great northern beans (one can, drained)
1 cup sour cream (for optional garnish)
1 small jalapeño (sliced, for optional garnish)
2 green onions (diced, for optional garnish)
2.25 ounces black olives (sliced, for optional garnish)
Cilantro (fresh, chopped, for optional garnish)
1 ripe avocado (sliced or diced, for optional garnish)
1 small tomato (fresh, chopped, for optional garnish)

Equipment Breakdown

Slow Cooker or Instant Pot: For easy and flavorful shredded chicken.
Skillet: To sauté the chicken and spices if cooking on the stovetop.
Large Baking Sheet: To assemble and bake the nachos.
Grater: For shredding the cheese fresh from the deli.
Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and toppings.

Method: Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano. Drizzle with avocado oil and squeeze the juice of one lime over the top. If you are using a slow cooker, place the seasoned chicken in the pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender. For the stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, then cover and simmer until fully cooked through.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, diced jalapeños, and both types of shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Add salt to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Nachos

On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer. Top with the shredded chicken, drained beans, and pour the cheesy sauce evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaded nachos for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Add Toppings

Once out of the oven, add your desired toppings such as sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced green onions, sliced black olives, fresh cilantro, diced avocados, and chopped tomatoes.

Seasonal Serving Ideas

Serve with a side of fresh guacamole during summer BBQs.
Pair with a chilled beer for game day gatherings.
Offer a variety of salsas or hot sauces for a spicy kick during winter parties.
Make it a festive dish for Cinco de Mayo by adding colorful toppings.

Method to the Madness

This Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe is not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about layering flavors and textures. The well-seasoned chicken provides a savory base, while the creamy cheese sauce adds richness. The crunch of the tortilla chips balances everything out, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Plus, the variety of toppings allows for personalization, so everyone can build their perfect nacho plate!

How to Store & Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but can happen!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the nachos on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. The oven method will help keep the chips crispy. If you prefer, you can also microwave them, but be aware that the chips may lose some crunch.

Common Qs About Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded after cooking. If using a slow cooker, you may need to add additional cooking time.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini or use a meat alternative. The cheese sauce will still provide that creamy goodness.

What type of cheese should I use?

Using freshly shredded cheese from the deli is key for a great melting texture. White American cheese and pepper jack provide a delicious combination, but feel free to mix and match with your favorites!

How spicy are these nachos?

The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference. If you want them milder, use less jalapeño or opt for a milder cheese. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or top with your favorite hot sauce.

Wrap-Up

In the world of comfort food, nachos reign supreme, especially when they’re loaded with flavorful shredded chicken and melty cheese. This Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe is not just about satisfying your cravings; it’s about creating a dish that invites everyone to gather around and enjoy. With a little bit of prep and a lot of love, you’ll have a meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So, grab your friends, pile on those toppings, and dig into the deliciousness!