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Seasoned chicken, hearty beans, gooey melted cheese, and topped with all the delicious fixings- like sour cream, salsa, and cilantro- of course, you can add on all your favorites! These Loaded Chicken Nachos are all the perfect easy meals or epic appetizers that’re perfect for game day grub, taco Tuesday, or your favorite fiesta.

A white plate with a serving of chicken nachos topped with sour cream, salsa and cilantro.

Ingredient Notes

Labeled ingredients needed to make loaded chicken nachos.
  • Tortilla Chips: Use your favorite crispy tortilla chips. Just keep in mind you want to use one that isn’t super thin and the chips are sturdy enough to pick up those toppings.
  • Cooked Chicken: This is a great recipe for using leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, or you can even make it quickly if you don’t have any on hand. This Instant Pot Chicken (fresh or frozen) is the perfect meal prep or make-ahead for recipes.
  • Taco Seasoning: A one-ounce package of taco seasoning is used to season up the chicken; you can use a homemade taco seasoning blend if you like.
  • Shredded Cheese: Shredding a block of cheese gives you such a nice gooey melt, but pre-shredded cheese can also be used. We love a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, cheddar cheese, pepper jack, or a mixture of cheeses.
  • Beans: We chose black beans, but pinto beans (leftover charro beans) or even refried beans work well for nachos.
  • Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are used here because they are super easy to work with and typically less watery, but use what you have. Just slice or dice them up.
  • Jalapenos: We used fresh sliced jalapenos that have been seeded and deveined to dial it up a notch, but you can also top with pickled jalapenos as well.
  • Onions: We chose green onions as they are mild, but red onion, white onion, or yellow onion can also be used. Pick your favorite and go for it.
  • Cilantro: Fresh and delicious! While I think cilantro is a must, some people just don’t care for it- so skip it if you don’t want to use it. (Or if you are one of those people who think it tastes like soap)
  • Salsa: Mild, medium, or hot, salsa adds a refreshing and tangy kick to your nachos. Make homemade salsa to kick it up a notch.
  • Sour Cream: Sour cream adds a nice creamy element; you can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier choice.

Other Topping Ideas for Loaded Nachos

Above are the toppings we built into our nachos, but here are a few more of my favorite toppings.

  • Avocado: Sliced avocado also adds a creamy texture; add guacamole to take it to a whole other level.
  • Slice Black Olives: They add color and flavor. I usually serve them on the side to appease those non-olive lovers.
  • Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
  • Pickled Red Onion: Replace raw onion with pickled onion for a briney twist.
  • Shredded Lettuce: You can’t go wrong adding lettuce. It adds a little color, and you know, go ahead and call it a salad now. (I won’t tell)
  • Grilled or Fresh Corn: This adds a little sweetness and a nice crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Chicken Swaps: In place of chicken in this recipe, use shredded chicken, like in my slow cooker recipes for salsa verde chicken or salsa chicken recipe. They are both so flavorful and can be cooked in a slow cooker. Then, you assemble the nachos when ready.
  • Other Proteins: Remember that you don’t have to use cooked chicken in this recipe. You can also use ground beef (or leftover taco meat), steak, leftover fajita meat, or pulled pork. Ground turkey or ground chicken are also delicious choices.
  • Seafood Nachos: Top your nachos with cooked shrimp, crab, or even smoked salmon for a seafood twist.
  • BBQ Nachos: Go for a BBQ flare with BBQ Beef Brisket or add a little BBQ Sauce to your chicken, and then top with corn, black beans, and some pickled red onion.
  • Vegetarian Nachos: Skip the meat and use black beans, pinto beans, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu.

How To Make Loaded Chicken Nachos

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

  1. Preheat the oven and prep the veggies.
  2. Season cooked chicken to give it those Mexican flavors we love in nachos.
    A pan with chicken, taco seasoning and water; stirred together to heat and combine.
  3. Layer a sheet pan with tortilla chips and then top with cooked chicken.
    Layer tortilla chips on a sheet pan and then top with chicken.
  4. Add shredded cheese to the top of the chicken and place in the oven until that cheese is gooey and melted.
    Add black beans on top of chicken and then top with shredded cheese.
  5. Remove from oven once melted.
    Nachos removed from oven when cheese has melted.
  6. Next, add diced or sliced tomatoes, jalapeno slices, green onion, and cilantro.
    Chopped nacho toppings on a cutting board and then added to baked nachos.
  7. Add a dollop of sour cream and some salsa. And don’t forget to add any of your other favorite toppings.
Easy Loaded Nachos made with chicken on a sheet pan and topped with your favorite nacho toppings.

Tips

  • Meal prep by preparing your chicken mixture as directed 1 day in advance. Then chop the veggies and cilantro and shred the cheese. Refrigerate each in airtight containers for use the next day.
  • Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
  • Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  • Loaded Nachos Toppings: Pile them high with fresh toppings! While the chicken, beans, and cheese are the base of the nachos, those toppings add tons of flavor, too! Using your favorites will ensure nacho bliss!
  • Serve Quickly: Serve nachos immediately after assembling to maintain crispiness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make nachos in advance for a party?

It’s best to assemble and bake them just before serving to maintain their crispiness. But you can prep all the ingredients the day before and store in the refrigerator until you assemble and bake them.

What’s the best cheese for nachos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both works well. Grate it yourself for the best meltability.

Are there healthier nacho options?

You can use whole-grain chips, lean proteins, reduce cheese, and use Greek yogurt for a healthier version.

A hand picking up a tortilla chip with nacho toppings.

Storage

Storage: You can keep the leftover sheet pan chicken nachos in the fridge wrapped up with aluminum foil for 2 days. Please note that the longer they remain in the fridge, the soggier the chips will get. If possible, store toppings separately from the chips.

Freeze: You can make the chicken ahead and freeze it in a freezer-safe container for 3 months. I don’t recommend freezing the nachos after being baked.

To Reheat: Rewarm nachos on a baking sheet in the oven at 350℉. For even better results, use fresh chips when possible.

What to Serve with Easy Nachos Recipe

Serve your baked chicken nachos with any of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Here are a few we love.

Easy Chicken nachos on a white plate set on a table with toppings around.

Other Mexican Flavored Dishes to Try

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Easy loaded chicken nachos on a sheet pan.
Recipe
5 from 8 votes

(click stars to rate)

Loaded Chicken Nachos

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Nikki Lee
Pin Print Rate Recipe Save
Seasoned chicken, hearty beans, gooey melted cheese, and topped with all the delicious fixings- like sour cream, salsa, and cilantro- of course, you can add on all your favorites! These Loaded Chicken Nachos are all the perfect easy meal or epic appetizer, that's perfect for game day grub, taco Tuesday, or your favorite fiesta.

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds cooked chicken, chopped (see notes for cooking instructions)
  • ⅛ cup water
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
  • 11 ounces tortilla chips, (use about ¾ of a bag)
  • 15 ounce can black beans, drained
  • 16 ounces shredded cheese of choice, (2 cups) mexican blend or cheddar work well
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced or diced (you can use any tomatoes)
  • ⅛ cup cilantro, finely chopped (or to taste)
  • 2 jalapeños, sliced
  • 2 to 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup salsa

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a saute pan, add the chicken, water, and taco seasoning. Over medium heat mix the chicken until fully coated (approximately 2-3 minutes). Remove from the heat. Set aside.
  • On a 9×13 sheet, layer the bottom with tortilla chips.
  • Top the chips in order with the chicken, black beans, and cheese.
  • Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
  • Remove from the oven and top the nachos with the tomatoes, cilantro, jalapenos, and green onions.
  • Serve with a side of sour cream and salsa. Add any additional favorite nacho or taco toppings you enjoy! We love guacamole, too!

Notes

  • Meal prep by preparing your chicken mixture as directed 1 day in advance. Then chop the veggies and cilantro and shred the cheese. Refrigerate each in airtight containers for use the next day.
  • Cleanup: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
  • Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
  • Loaded Nachos Toppings: Pile them high with fresh toppings! While the chicken, beans, and cheese are the base of the nachos, those toppings add tons of flavor, too! Using your favorites will ensure nacho bliss!
  • Serve Quickly: Serve nachos immediately after assembling to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving Calories: 731kcal (37%) Carbohydrates: 43g (14%) Protein: 49g (98%) Fat: 41g (63%) Saturated Fat: 17g (106%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Trans Fat: 0.03g Cholesterol: 159mg (53%) Sodium: 1361mg (59%) Potassium: 715mg (20%) Fiber: 7g (29%) Sugar: 4g (4%) Vitamin A: 1487IU (30%) Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) Calcium: 518mg (52%) Iron: 4mg (22%)

Nutritional Disclaimer

Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

©️Soulfully Made

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Nikki Lee author of Soulfully Made in the kitchen serving cupcakes.

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Nikki Lee. Here at Soulfully Made you will find delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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12 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I haven’t made chicken nachos before, but these were so easy and are super flavorful! Definitely adding them to my rotation

    Reply

  2. 5 stars
    I loved that this was so customizable. I changed up the toppings a bit (omitted the cilantro) and used diced bell peppers instead of jalapeno to cut the spice for the kids. It was a huge hit!

    Reply

  4. 5 stars
    This looks so good! Around here we have nachos for dinner – it’s one of the best ways to get the kids to eat veggies. I bet they will love them with chicken!

    Reply