Chicken Nachos Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Chicken Nachos are the perfect appetizer, lunch, or even dinner when you’re craving something salty, full of tasty Mexican ingredients. Tortilla chips are covered in queso, then layered with chicken, pico de Gallo, more cheese, and any of your favorite toppings. Bake these easy sheet pan nachos in the oven in a flash, and be prepared to share because these are delicious!

What’s in Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos

All you need for this easy chicken nachos recipe is a sheet pan, chicken, tortilla chips, cheese, and a few other simple ingredients. They’re really versatile, so grab your favorite toppings, bake quickly in the oven, and enjoy.

• Tortilla Chips: Assembling nachos starts with tortilla chips. Use your favorite kind–I recommend using a thicker chip that will hold up under all the toppings.
• Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken tenders cut into small strips. But you can use boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips or cubes. You can also use rotisserie or shredded chicken for convenience!
• Queso: I always use my favorite white queso, but you can use any kind you like. Don’t add too much, or the chips will get soggy.
• Shredded Cheese: Use a Mexican blend or any type of cheese you have on hand. Pepper jack would be another good option. Freshly-shredded cheese melts best!
• Pico de Gallo: Sprinkle fresh pico de gallo on top for more flavor and texture. This mix of diced tomatoes and onion is perfect!
• Taco Seasoning: This blend seasons the chicken before adding it on top of the nachos.
• Onion: A little bit of chopped onion adds more texture and flavor.

Flavor Tip: Cook the chicken with tequila and lime juice (1 tablespoon each) to add a bright and zesty flavor!

Chicken Nacho Toppings and Variations

You can add other toppings on the chicken nachos before baking. Try black beans, fire-roasted corn, jalapeno slices, refried beans, or anything you like.

After they come out of the oven, add cold toppings, like blender salsa, the best guacamole, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), avocado slices, mexican street corn salsa, or more shredded cheese.

Change the type of queso: try this poblano queso, or go with classic nacho cheese sauce.

You can also finish them off with a bite more queso, lime juice, cilantro, or taco sauce.

Instead of using taco seasoning for the chicken, try blackened seasoning or fajita seasoning.

Or try these grilled BBQ chicken nachos for another twist on this easy appetizer!

How to Store and Reheat

Chicken nachos are best served fresh out of the oven! Because the chips are covered with queso, chicken, and other toppings, they will get soft or soggy when refrigerated and reheated.

However, you can store leftover nachos in an airtight container or wrapped in foil, and keep in the refrigerator up to 2 days. For best results, store extra ingredients separately, and assemble and bake fresh nachos.

Serving Suggestions

These sheet pan chicken nachos are the best appetizer for Cinco de Mayo, and it’s a great football food since they make enough for plenty of people. Serve them along with your favorite margaritas or co*cktails.

They also pair well with any Mexican snacks or meals, including chicken taquitos, chicken tacos, a Crunchwrap Supreme, or esquites.

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

More Nacho Recipes We Love

• Beef Nachos
• Foil Packet Nachos
• Philly Cheesesteak Nachos
• Pulled Pork Nachos
• Steak Fajita Nachos
• Chicken Nacho Casserole
• Nachos Supreme
• Street Corn Nachos