Get ready to make a crowd-pleaser with this Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos recipe. It's a perfect blend of crispy tortilla chips covered with juicy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party snack.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items. However, the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce might be a little bit tricky to find. This ingredient can usually be found in the international aisle of the supermarket under Mexican cuisine. It adds a smoky and spicy flavor that's essential for the chicken mix.
Ingredients for Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic. It helps to bring out their flavors.
Yellow Onion: Gives a sweet and savory flavor to the chicken.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor to the dish.
Tomato Sauce: It gives a tangy flavor and serves as a base for the chicken mix.
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the chicken.
Shredded cooked chicken: The main protein in this dish.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish.
Tortilla Chips: The base of the nachos.
Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and brings all the components together.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor.
Scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a hint of color.
One reader, Kenon Jaime says:
These sheet pan chicken nachos are a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the recipe is so easy to follow. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty toppings is a winner. It's perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Highly recommend trying it out!
Cooking Techniques for Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos Recipe
How to prepare the chicken: This involves cooking the onion and garlic until soft and translucent, then adding the tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, sugar, cumin, oregano, and salt. After bringing it to a gentle boil, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes before stirring in the chicken and cilantro.
How to assemble the nachos: Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on baking sheets, then spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly over the chips, followed by the cheeses.
How to bake the nachos: Preheat the oven to 425°F and set two racks in the center. Bake the assembled nachos until the cheese is melted, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
How to serve the nachos: Once the nachos are removed from the oven, sprinkle them with scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately, passing the guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges separately.
How to make ahead: The chicken mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated up to 2 days ahead of time. Warm the chicken to room temperature in the microwave before assembling the nachos.
How To Make Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
This loaded chicken nachos is packed with tender chicken, spicy chipotle peppers, and two cheeses to yield a mouthwatering snack to munch on!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 1small yellow onion,diced
- 2large garlic cloves,roughly chopped
- 8oztomato sauce
- 2tbspchipotle peppers in adobo sauce,minced
- ¼tspsugar
- 1tspground cumin
- ½tspdried oregano
- ¼tspsalt
- 3cupschicken,shredded, cooked
- ¼cupfresh cilantro,chopped, optional
For Nachos:
- 13oztortilla chips
- 28ozMexican blend cheese,shredded
- ⅔cuppecorino romano cheese,grated
- ¼cupscallions,finely sliced
- ¼cupfresh cilantro,chopped
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Do not brown; reduce the heat if necessary.
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Add the tomato sauce, chipotle peppers and sauce, sugar, cumin, oregano, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Stir in the chicken and cilantro.
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and set 2 racks in the center of the oven.
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Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer, overlapping slightly, on two 13×18-inch baking sheets. Spread the chicken evenly over the chips, followed by the cheeses.
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Bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Remove the nachos from the oven, then sprinkle with scallions and cilantro.
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Serve immediately, passing the guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges separately, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 838.67kcal
- Fat: 57.15g
- Saturated Fat: 22.47g
- Trans Fat: 0.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.97g
- Carbohydrates: 29.26g
- Fiber: 2.37g
- Sugar: 2.83g
- Protein: 50.50g
- Cholesterol: 189.56mg
- Sodium: 735.73mg
- Calcium: 682.30mg
- Potassium: 515.81mg
- Iron: 2.76mg
- Vitamin A: 226.14µg
- Vitamin C: 6.52mg
Helpful Technique for Making Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
When spreading the chicken mixture over the tortilla chips, try to distribute it evenly to ensure every chip gets a good amount of topping. This will result in a more balanced flavor in each bite and prevent any chips from being too dry or too overloaded.
Time-Saving Tips for Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before starting. This will help streamline the cooking process and minimize interruptions.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken, instead of cooking it from scratch.
Opt for pre-shredded cheese: Utilize pre-shredded cheese to save time on grating and preparation.
Batch cook and store: Consider batch cooking and storing the chicken mixture in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in advance, allowing for quick assembly when ready to make the nachos.
Organize the workspace: Keep the cooking area organized and clean to work efficiently and avoid unnecessary clutter and confusion.
Prep in advance: Chop, dice, and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce last-minute prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos Recipe
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extra-virgin olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
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yellow onion – Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe without significantly altering the taste.
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garlic – Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic in this recipe, providing a convenient alternative with a similar flavor profile.
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tomato sauce – Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute for tomato sauce, providing a chunkier texture and a fresher taste to the dish.
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chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a similar smoky flavor to the dish, mimicking the taste of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
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sugar – Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a touch of sweetness to the dish.
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ground cumin – Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder can be used as a substitute for ground cumin, providing a similar earthy and spicy flavor to the dish.
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dried oregano – Substitute with dried marjoram: Dried marjoram can be used as a substitute for dried oregano, offering a similar herbaceous flavor to the dish.
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shredded cooked chicken – Substitute with shredded cooked turkey: Shredded cooked turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
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tortilla chips – Substitute with plantain chips: Plantain chips can be used as a substitute for tortilla chips, offering a unique twist with a slightly sweet and savory flavor.
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shredded Mexican blend cheese – Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for Mexican blend cheese, providing a rich and sharp flavor to the dish.
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grated pecorino romano cheese – Substitute with grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute for pecorino romano cheese, offering a similar salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
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scallions – Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
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fresh chopped cilantro – Substitute with fresh chopped parsley: Fresh chopped parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, offering a similar bright and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Serving Chicken Nachos
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Elevate the nachos: Arrange the tortilla chips in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are evenly spread and not overcrowded on the plate.
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Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the nachos to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
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Incorporate colorful condiments: Serve the guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges in small, vibrant bowls alongside the nachos for an enticing presentation.
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Utilize high-quality serving platters: Present the nachos on elegant, ceramic platters or wooden boards to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
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Create a visually appealing cheese layer: Melt the cheese until it forms a golden, bubbly crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed for an enticing visual effect.
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Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the nachos in a balanced manner on the plate, ensuring that each chip is adorned with an equal amount of toppings for a harmonious presentation.
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Consider portion control: Serve the nachos in individual portions or small plates to create an intimate and refined dining experience for the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sheet Pan Nachos
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Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping, slicing, and preparing ingredients.
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Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
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Large pan: A wide, deep pan for sautéing the onions and garlic for the chicken mixture.
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Baking sheets: Large, rimmed baking sheets for assembling and baking the nachos.
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Oven: To preheat and bake the nachos.
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Spatula: For spreading the chicken mixture and cheese evenly over the tortilla chips.
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Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the spices and seasonings.
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Grater: For grating the pecorino romano cheese.
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Microwave: For warming the chicken mixture if made in advance.
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Serving platter or plates: For serving the finished sheet pan chicken nachos.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Chicken Nachos
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If you have any leftover nachos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the nachos on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the nachos are heated through.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken mixture separately for up to 2 months. Allow the mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to use, thaw the chicken mixture in the refrigerator overnight, then assemble the nachos as directed in the recipe.
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It's not recommended to freeze the assembled nachos, as the tortilla chips will become soggy and lose their texture when thawed. However, if you have leftover assembled nachos that you want to freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the nachos to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. To reheat, place the frozen nachos on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
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To maintain the best quality of the nachos, consume the refrigerated leftovers within 3 days and the frozen chicken mixture within 2 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
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The best way to reheat leftover sheet pan chicken nachos is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the nachos evenly on a baking sheet. Cover the nachos with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out and to help the cheese melt evenly. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the nachos are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Another option is to use the microwave. Place the leftover nachos on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they are heated through. Be careful not to overheat the nachos, as the tortilla chips can become soggy and the cheese can become rubbery.
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If you want to add some freshness to your reheated nachos, consider adding some fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, or diced tomatoes. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to add some creaminess and tang.
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For a crispy texture, you can also reheat the nachos in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the nachos in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the nachos are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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If you have a lot of leftover chicken mixture, you can also repurpose it into a new dish. Use the chicken mixture as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. You can also use it as a topping for a salad or as a filling for a sandwich.
Interesting Trivia About Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
The sheet pan chicken nachos recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired dish. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and it's topped with a generous amount of cheese, creating a mouthwatering and satisfying meal. The use of tortilla chips as a base adds a delightful crunch to each bite. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a comforting and indulgent treat, these sheet pan chicken nachos are sure to be a hit. Plus, they can be customized with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, and lime wedges. Enjoy!
Is This Nachos Recipe Budget-Friendly?
This sheet pan chicken nachos recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, tortilla chips, and cheese, are affordable and easily accessible. The versatility of this dish also makes it a great option for using leftover ingredients. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. Overall, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious flavors.
Are Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos Healthy?
The sheet pan chicken nachos recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients like tortilla chips and shredded Mexican blend cheese, which are often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
- The use of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and pecorino romano cheese adds additional sodium to the dish.
- The cooking method of baking the nachos with cheese on top can lead to a higher intake of saturated fats.
However, the recipe does include some healthier elements, such as the use of shredded chicken (a lean protein source), onions, garlic, and fresh cilantro, which provide some nutrients and flavor without adding excessive calories or unhealthy fats.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap regular tortilla chips for baked, whole-grain, or legume-based chips to increase fiber content and reduce unhealthy fats.
- Reduce the amount of shredded Mexican blend cheese and pecorino romano cheese, or opt for lower-fat cheese alternatives.
- Include more vegetables in the recipe, such as diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or lettuce, to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to reduce fat content and increase protein.
- Serve the nachos with a side of fresh salsa or homemade guacamole, which are packed with nutrients and healthy fats.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of sheet pan chicken nachos while making the dish more well-rounded and nutritious.
Editor's Opinion on This Chicken Nachos Recipe
The sheet pan chicken nachos recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The smoky and spicy chipotle-infused chicken pairs perfectly with the gooey melted cheese and crispy tortilla chips. The addition of fresh cilantro and scallions adds a burst of freshness to each bite. This recipe is perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in. The make-ahead option makes it convenient for entertaining, and the presentation is sure to impress. Enjoy this dish with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for a truly satisfying experience.
Why trust this Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos Recipe:
This sheet pan chicken nachos recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings and game nights. The flavorful chipotle-infused chicken is complemented by layers of gooey mexican blend cheese and crispy tortilla chips. The step-by-step instructions ensure a hassle-free cooking experience, while the make-ahead option adds convenience. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, this recipe promises to satisfy cravings and impress guests. Trust in the combination of savory chicken, melty cheese, and zesty toppings for a memorable and delicious dining experience.
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