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Crispy Loaded Grilled Nachos with Smoky Chicken

crispy loaded grilled nachos with smoky chicken - featured image

A quick and easy game day recipe featuring smoky grilled chicken layered on crispy tortilla chips with melted cheese and fresh toppings, perfect for crowd-pleasing snacks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
  • Fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • Chopped green onions
  • Roughly chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated and let sit while preheating the grill.
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  3. Grill chicken slices directly on grill grates or on a grill-safe pan for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear. Remove and set aside.
  4. In a cast iron skillet or heavy grill-safe pan, spread tortilla chips evenly and sprinkle black beans over the chips.
  5. Distribute grilled smoky chicken evenly over the chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese blend generously. Add sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions.
  6. Place the pan on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Watch closely to prevent burning and check for crisp edges.
  7. Remove from grill. Dollop with sour cream or Mexican crema, add sliced avocado or guacamole, sprinkle fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

To keep chips crispy, layer cheese between small batches of chips to create a melty barrier. Avoid piling wet ingredients before grilling to prevent sogginess. If no grill is available, use an oven broiler or stovetop grill pan but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled nachos, smoky chicken, game day recipe, crispy nachos, easy snack, backyard grilling