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Loaded sheet-pan chicken nachos with pico de gallo, guacamole, Monterey jack cheese, pickled red onion, and jalapeño.

The Best Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos with Chicken

  • Author: NICOLE.DIMASCIO
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 35
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Munchies, Appetizer
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Nachos are the ultimate party good, and these nachos are great as an appetizer for a crowd, or load it up with extra chicken for a fun weeknight dinner.

Equipment


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the pickled red onions

  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup vinegar (apple cider vinegar or white vinegar)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cloves garlic, minced

For the chicken

  • 1lb boneless, skinless chicken (breast, thighs, or both)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano

For the pico de gallo

  • 4 large roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the guacamole

  • 4 avocados, ripe
  • 2 roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro leaves
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the nachos

  • 1012 oz bag of tortilla chips
  • 8oz Monterey jack cheese, shredded


Instructions

  • Make the Pickled Red Onion: Add the sliced red onion to a jar with a lid. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, combine the water, vinegar, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes, and garlic and whisk until sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour the liquid mixture over the sliced red onions in the jar and put the lid on. Let sit at room temperature for about an hour while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
  • Prep and cook the chicken: If you are using chicken breasts and they are very thick, cover them in plastic wrap or put them in a gallon storage bag  and pound them with a meat tenderizer or other heavy object to even thickness. Then, combine all spices and seasonings in a small bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil. Spread the spice mixture all over the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add 1-2 tbsp oil. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove from the pan and allow to rest on a cutting board.
  • Make the Pico de Gallo: In a small or medium mixing bowl, combine diced roma tomatoes, white onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and mix. Add more salt to taste if needed.
  • Make the guacamole: Slice the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out into a mixing bowl. Mask with a fork. You can make it as chunky or smooth as you prefer. Add the tomato, red onion, garlic, lime juice and zest, salt, and pepper, and stir it together. Add more salt and pepper to taste, as needed.
  • Assemble the nachos: Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Dice the chicken into small pieces. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread out a layer of tortilla chips, then top with half of the cheese and half of the cubed chicken. Add another layer of chips, cheese, and chicken. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is just melted.
  • Serve and enjoy: Top the nachos with some of the fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled red onions.

Notes

  • Optional extra toppings: sour cream, cotija cheese, queso, jalapeños (fresh or pickled), black beans, charred corn

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/5
  • Calories: 864
  • Sugar: 11.7 g
  • Sodium: 2358.2 mg
  • Fat: 56.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56.9 g
  • Protein: 38.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 106.6 mg