These loaded chicken nachos are an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining savory seasoned chicken, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a delicious dinner, these nachos are simple to make and perfect for sharing. With a crispy base of tortilla chips and customizable toppings, they are sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavourful Chicken: The chicken is seasoned with fajita spices, offering a bold and zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple, allowing you to create a delicious meal in no time.

• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, tomatoes, and jalapeños for extra flavor.

• Cheesy Goodness: Shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly over the nachos, creating that irresistible gooey texture.

• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at parties or casual family dinners, everyone will love it!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 500 g chicken mince

• 1 package fajita seasoning (or homemade seasoning)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

• 1 red onion, finely diced

For the Fajita Seasoning (if making your own):

• 2 tablespoons Cajun spice

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Nachos:

• 200 g shredded cheddar cheese

• 200 g tortilla chips

For the Toppings:

• 1 avocado, chopped

• 2 tomatoes, diced

• 1 jalapeno, sliced

• Sour cream or light crème fraîche

• Green onions, sliced

• ½ bunch coriander, chopped

• Salsa

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Heat the olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.

   • Add the finely diced red onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

   • Add the chicken mince to the pan and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.

   • Stir in the fajita seasoning and cook for another minute. Remove from heat.

2. Assemble the Nachos:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

   • Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a skillet or baking sheet.

   • Spoon the cooked chicken mixture over the chips, and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

3. Bake:

   • Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

4. Add Toppings:

   • Remove the nachos from the oven and top with chopped avocado, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeño, green onions, and coriander.

   • Serve with sour cream or crème fraîche and salsa on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Protein: You can substitute the chicken mince with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based mince for a vegetarian version.

• Cheese: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.

• Tortilla Chips: Experiment with blue corn chips or even sweet potato chips for a unique twist.

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more jalapeños or using milder peppers for a more subtle flavor.

• Toppings: Add black beans, corn, or olives to the nachos for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store the cooled nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Freezer: While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken mixture separately for up to 3 months. Reassemble and bake fresh when ready.

• Reheat: To reheat, spread the nachos on a baking sheet and warm in a 150°C oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the nachos and bake them just before serving.

2. What can I substitute for chicken mince?

You can use ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein if you prefer a vegetarian option.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great alternatives to cheddar.

4. How do I make the nachos spicier?

Add more jalapeños or use spicy salsa to ramp up the heat.

5. How can I make these nachos healthier?

You can use baked tortilla chips, fat-free Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and lean ground turkey in place of chicken mince.

6. Can I freeze leftover nachos?

While the chips may lose some crunch, you can freeze the chicken mixture separately and reassemble the nachos when you’re ready to bake.

7. How do I make homemade fajita seasoning?

Simply combine 2 tablespoons of Cajun spice, ¼ teaspoon of chili powder, and ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika to create a smoky, zesty seasoning.

8. Can I use a different type of chips?

Yes, feel free to use blue corn chips, sweet potato chips, or even tortilla chips flavored with lime.

9. What can I add to the nachos for extra flavor?

Consider adding black beans, corn, olives, or fresh lime juice for extra flavor and texture.

10. Are these nachos gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tortilla chips, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

These loaded chicken nachos are the perfect blend of bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and fresh toppings. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, game night, or as an appetizer at a party, they’re sure to be a hit. With endless customization options, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion.