Pulled Chicken Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Pulled Chicken Nachos combine the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional nachos with the tender, flavorful richness of pulled chicken. This hearty and satisfying dish makes for an ideal appetizer, game day snack, or even a fun family dinner. With layers of tortilla chips, melted cheese, seasoned pulled chicken, and a variety of toppings, Pulled Chicken Nachos bring bold flavors and textures in every bite. The melted cheese clings to the chips, the pulled chicken is juicy and flavorful, and the toppings—whether creamy, crunchy, or tangy—bring the perfect balance.

Pulled Chicken Nachos are not only delicious, but they are also highly customizable. You can tweak the toppings and seasonings to suit your personal preferences, making them as spicy, mild, or indulgent as you desire. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack while watching a game, or sharing them with friends and family, these nachos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Pulled Chicken Nachos

• Loaded with Flavor: The combination of seasoned pulled chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Each bite is packed with a balance of savory, cheesy, tangy, and crunchy elements.
• Hearty and Satisfying: Pulled Chicken Nachos are filling enough to serve as a main dish, perfect for casual meals or a fun dinner that doesn’t require a lot of effort.
• Customizable: You can make Pulled Chicken Nachos your own by adding or omitting toppings, adjusting spice levels, and trying different types of cheese. Want some heat? Add jalapeños. Prefer something milder? Skip the spicy toppings. The possibilities are endless!
• Quick and Easy: The recipe comes together quickly, especially if you already have some pulled chicken on hand. The nachos are assembled in minutes and baked for a short time, making it a convenient and easy-to-make dish.
• Perfect for Sharing: Nachos are meant to be shared! Pulled Chicken Nachos are a great dish for parties, gatherings, or family dinners, where everyone can dig in and enjoy the cheesy, flavorful goodness together.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 15-18g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Pulled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth or water

For the Nachos:

• 10-12 cups tortilla chips (about 1 large bag)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: salsa, guacamole, hot sauce, or your favorite nacho toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pulled Chicken

To start, prepare the pulled chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits left behind from the chicken. Return the chicken to the skillet and cover. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the broth.

Remove the chicken from the skillet, then shred it using two forks. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart. Set the pulled chicken aside and keep it warm while you prepare the nachos.

2. Prepare the Nachos

While the pulled chicken is simmering, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Spread the tortilla chips in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the chips are spread out evenly so that each chip gets some cheese and toppings.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chips, making sure every chip is covered with a generous amount of cheese. This step is crucial to getting that perfect melt.

3. Assemble the Nachos

Once the cheese is evenly distributed, scatter the pulled chicken over the chips. This will create a nice layer of protein, ensuring that each bite has a good amount of chicken. Next, add the diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and sliced jalapeños on top of the cheese and chicken. The tomatoes will add freshness, the red onion will provide a crunchy bite, and the jalapeños will bring a bit of spice.

If you like your nachos a little more cheesy, you can add a little extra cheese on top of the chicken and vegetables at this point.

4. Bake the Nachos

Place the assembled nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the chips start to crisp up. Keep an eye on the nachos during the baking process to ensure they don’t burn. If you’re using a lot of toppings, you may want to add a couple of extra minutes to make sure everything gets heated through.

Once the nachos are golden and the cheese has melted, remove them from the oven.

5. Top the Nachos

Once the nachos are out of the oven, it’s time to finish them off with the fresh, cool toppings. Dollop the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) over the nachos for a creamy texture that balances the heat from the jalapeños. Add the sliced avocado on top for an extra layer of richness and a touch of freshness.

Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the nachos for a burst of color and flavor. If you like more heat, drizzle some hot sauce over the nachos for an extra kick.

For added flavor, you can also serve the nachos with salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the nachos immediately, while the cheese is still warm and gooey. Grab some plates and dive into these cheesy, flavorful Pulled Chicken Nachos with all the delicious toppings. Enjoy them as an appetizer or as a main dish—either way, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Tips for Perfect Pulled Chicken Nachos

• Don’t Overload the Nachos: When assembling your nachos, be sure to not overload them with too many toppings. The key to great nachos is balance—make sure every chip has some cheese, chicken, and toppings without making them too soggy.
• Use Good Tortilla Chips: The quality of your tortilla chips is important. Opt for thicker, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to the weight of the cheese and toppings without breaking. Avoid thin, flimsy chips that can easily crumble under the weight.
• Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spice level of your nachos based on your preferences. For a milder version, leave out the jalapeños or use fewer of them. For extra spice, add some sliced serrano peppers or drizzle the nachos with a spicy hot sauce.
• Make the Pulled Chicken Ahead of Time: To save time, you can make the pulled chicken in advance. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked chicken, or even cook the chicken in a pressure cooker for a quick option. The pulled chicken can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, so it’s easy to assemble the nachos when you’re ready to eat.
• Add Extra Protein: If you want to make the nachos even heartier, consider adding more protein. Ground beef, chorizo, or pulled pork would all work wonderfully as additional options.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to make the nachos even more indulgent. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are the classics, you can also try adding some mozzarella for extra stretch, or even a sharp blue cheese for a tangy twist.

Variations of Pulled Chicken Nachos

• BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos: For a smoky, tangy twist, toss the pulled chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce before adding it to the nachos. This gives the dish a unique flavor and pairs wonderfully with the melted cheese and fresh toppings.
• Buffalo Pulled Chicken Nachos: Add a little heat by tossing the pulled chicken in buffalo wing sauce. The spicy and tangy flavor of the buffalo sauce will bring a whole new level of flavor to your nachos. Top with some blue cheese crumbles for an added kick.
• Veggie Pulled Chicken Nachos: Keep the pulled chicken but add more veggies like corn, black beans, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes. These additions will make the nachos even more hearty and satisfying.
• Southwest Pulled Chicken Nachos: Use a blend of southwestern spices, such as cumin, coriander, and chili powder, to season the pulled chicken. Add ingredients like black beans, corn, and avocado for a Southwest-inspired twist.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pulled Chicken Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them for later:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While the chips may lose their crispness, the flavors will still be delicious.
• Reheating: To reheat nachos, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted again. Be careful not to overcook the nachos, as the chips can become too soft.
• Pulled Chicken Storage: If you have leftover pulled chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pulled Chicken Nachos

Pair your Pulled Chicken Nachos with some complementary dishes to round out your meal:

• Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of cilantro-lime rice or Spanish rice for a hearty and flavorful side dish.
• Refried Beans: A scoop of refried beans adds a creamy, comforting element to your nacho spread.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Fresh guacamole and salsa are perfect accompaniments to Pulled Chicken Nachos, adding additional flavors and textures.
• Coleslaw: A cool and crunchy coleslaw makes a great contrast to the warm, cheesy nachos, adding a bit of freshness to the dish.

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Conclusion

Pulled Chicken Nachos are a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, preparing a fun weeknight dinner, or just looking for a tasty snack, these nachos are sure to impress. With their savory pulled chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, Pulled Chicken Nachos are guaranteed to be a hit. They are easy to make, highly customizable, and bursting with flavor, making them a crowd favorite for any event. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a plate of these irresistible nachos!