Pulled Chicken Nachos Jalapeños (Printable)

A vibrant platter of crispy chips topped with smoky chicken, melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh garnishes.

# What you'll need:

→ Pulled Chicken

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
02 - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce or chipotle sauce
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/4 teaspoon cumin
06 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Nachos Base

07 - 7 oz sturdy tortilla chips

→ Toppings

08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
10 - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices
11 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 1 medium tomato, diced
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
14 - 1 avocado, diced
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
16 - 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Combine shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until chicken is evenly coated.
03 - Spread tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet.
04 - Distribute the seasoned pulled chicken evenly over the tortilla chips.
05 - Sprinkle both shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken and chips.
06 - Arrange jalapeño slices and red onion across the top.
07 - Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven. Top with diced tomato, cilantro, and avocado.
09 - Serve hot with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The smoky pulled chicken takes ordinary nachos from snack to main course territory
  • Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd without spending hours in the kitchen
  • Customizable toppings mean everyone can build their ideal bite
02 -
  • Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents the cheese that inevitably melts off from becoming a permanent fixture
  • Serving immediately is nonnegotiable, as chips start losing their crunch within minutes
  • Letting the nachos sit for just two minutes after baking helps the cheese set slightly so toppings dont slide off when you grab a chip
03 -
  • Sprinkle cheese in two separate layers, some under the chicken and some over, so you get melty coverage throughout
  • Buy restaurant style chips rather than scoops, they layer better and hold toppings without breaking
  • Keep fresh toppings cold until the moment you serve them for maximum temperature contrast

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