Chicken Nachos with Cheese Sauce
These Chicken Nachos with Cheese Sauce are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack! Loaded with juicy, seasoned chicken, crispy tortilla chips, and drenched in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this easy nacho recipe is perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner.
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken for 5–7 minutes until heated through. Set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, then add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange tortilla chips on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the chips.
- Pour the cheese sauce generously over the chicken and chips.
- Sprinkle diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to warm everything through.
- Remove from oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and salsa if desired.