Chicken Nachos with Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort food and party favorite. Crispy tortilla chips layered with tender, juicy chicken, smothered in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, then topped with fresh vegetables, jalapeños, and a hint of spices.

This dish perfectly balances crunch, creaminess, and flavor in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that brings people together, whether it’s a casual family night, game day, or a friendly gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s versatile, quick to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of warm, cheesy sauce with seasoned chicken is irresistible. It’s a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and indulgent snacks that double as a meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it combines textures and flavors that everyone loves: crunchy chips, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh toppings. Unlike standard nachos, the homemade cheese sauce elevates the dish from a simple snack to a full indulgent experience.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Course: Appetizer / Snack
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Nachos

• 1 bag tortilla chips (about 8 ounces)
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream for garnish (optional)
• Salsa for serving (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in milk, then add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Arrange tortilla chips on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
7. Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the chips.
8. Pour the cheese sauce generously over the chicken and chips.
9. Sprinkle diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños on top.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to warm everything through.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and salsa if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season and cook the shredded chicken in a pan with olive oil and spices until warmed.
3. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
4. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously, then fold in cheddar cheese until smooth.
5. Arrange tortilla chips on a platter or baking sheet.
6. Spread cooked chicken over the chips.
7. Pour cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and chips.
8. Top with diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños.
9. Bake for 5–7 minutes or until cheese sauce is warm and slightly bubbly.
10. Remove from oven, garnish with cilantro, sour cream, and serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Nachos with Cheese Sauce hot, directly from the oven. Pair it with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a cool drizzle of sour cream. It works perfectly as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course for casual meals.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh cheese for the creamiest sauce.
• Keep tortilla chips crispy by adding cheese sauce right before serving or baking.
• Adjust spice level with more or less chili powder or jalapeños.
• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian Nachos: Replace chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables.
• Spicy Nachos: Add diced green chilies or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Loaded Nachos: Include toppings like corn, olives, avocado, or pickled onions.
• BBQ Chicken Nachos: Toss cooked chicken in BBQ sauce before layering over chips.

Freezing and Storage

• Nachos are best eaten fresh for maximum crunch.
• Cheese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
• Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed before use.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven or toaster oven
• Saucepan for cheese sauce
• Large pan for cooking chicken
• Oven-safe platter or baking sheet
• Whisk for smooth cheese sauce

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes, use plant-based cheese and replace chicken with beans or tofu.

How can I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Layer chips on the serving platter and add cheese sauce just before serving or bake for a short time.

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend works great.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Nachos with Cheese Sauce is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that satisfies cravings for cheesy, flavorful, and crunchy snacks. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings makes it perfect for any occasion. With simple steps, customizable toppings, and a short cooking time, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a must-have in your recipe collection.