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Homemade Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe photo

Shredded Chicken Nacho Recipe

Loaded shredded chicken nachos with a creamy queso made from evaporated milk and shredded cheeses, topped with beans and optional garnishes.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 poundschicken breastsboneless skinless (or chicken thighs, tenders, etc.)
  • 3 tablespoonsavocado oilor any neutral oil + more if cooking on stovetop
  • juiceof one limeabout 1 tbsp
  • 2 teaspoonssalt
  • 1 teaspoonblack pepperor to taste
  • 2 tablespoonschili powder
  • 2 tablespoonsground cumin
  • 1 tablespoonground coriander
  • 2 teaspoonsonion powder
  • 2 teaspoonsgarlic powder
  • 1 teaspoonpaprika
  • 2 teaspoonsdried oregano
  • 24 ouncesevaporated milktwo 12 oz cans
  • 2 smalljalapeñosfinely diced about 3 tablespoons
  • 1 1/2 poundswhite American cheesefreshly shredded** real cheese from the deli, not processed cheese singles***
  • 1 1/2 poundspepper jack cheesefreshly shredded**
  • saltto taste****
  • 18 ouncestortilla chipsuse a firm chip that can handle the weight
  • 15 ouncesgreat northern beansone can drained (or black beans, pinto beans, etc.)
  • 1 cupsour creamfor optional garnish
  • 1 smalljalapeñosliced for optional garnish
  • 2 green onionsdiced for optional garnish (or red onion)
  • 2.25 ouncesblack olivessliced for optional garnish (one small can)
  • cilantrofresh chopped, for optional garnish
  • 1 ripeavocadosliced or diced for optional garnish (or guacamole)
  • 1 smalltomatofresh chopped, for optional garnish

Instructions

Instructions

  • Put the 2 pounds chicken breasts in a dish. Add 3 tablespoons avocado oil, the juice of one lime, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried oregano. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (optional).
  • Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (use an instant-read thermometer). Choose one method: - Oven: Preheat to 400°F and bake on a sheet or in a covered dish for about 20–30 minutes, until 165°F. - Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for about 12–18 minutes, checking temperature for doneness. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet with a little additional oil if needed and cook over medium heat until cooked through, about 6–10 minutes per side depending on thickness. - Crockpot: Cook on low 3–4 hours or on high 1.5–2.5 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Remove chicken, shred with two forks or a mixer, and set shredded chicken aside.
  • While chicken cooks or rests, make the queso: In a medium pot over medium-low heat combine all 24 ounces evaporated milk, the 2 small finely diced jalapeños (about 3 tablespoons), 1 ½ pounds freshly shredded white American cheese, and 1 ½ pounds freshly shredded pepper jack cheese. Whisk to combine, then increase heat to medium and whisk occasionally until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce has thickened (about 5 minutes). Taste and add salt to taste if needed. Keep warm.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil if desired for easier cleanup (optional).
  • Drain the 15 ounces great northern beans.
  • Assemble the nachos on the prepared baking sheet using firm tortilla chips (18 ounces): spread half the chips in an even layer, spoon one-third of the queso over the chips, scatter half of the shredded chicken, and spread half the drained beans. Repeat: add the remaining chips, another one-third of the queso, the remaining chicken, and the remaining beans. Drizzle the final one-third of the queso evenly over the top.
  • Bake the assembled nachos in the 425°F oven for 10–15 minutes, until warmed through and toppings are heated.
  • Remove from oven and immediately garnish as desired with the optional items: dollops or drizzles of sour cream (1 cup), sliced small jalapeño (1 small), diced green onions (2), 2.25 ounces sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced or diced ripe avocado (1), and chopped small tomato (1 small). Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Air Fryer
  • Skillet
  • Crockpot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Medium pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • forks or mixer for shredding

Notes

Notes
*
Chicken tenders should take 6-8 minutes in air fryer, 6-8 minutes on stove or 10-15 minutes in oven at 400° F. Your cook time will vary depending on which method you choose and how thick your chicken is. Keep an eye on it and make sure the internal temperature doesn’t go past 165° F. Chicken breasts and thighs will take a bit longer, so you may want to cut them into large chunks to speed up this process. Just make sure it is still shreddable.
**Do not use pre-shredded cheese, as it has anti-clumping agents that will also prevent it from melting. We want a smooth consistency, so shred it yourself. Alternatively, you can buy cheese SLICES from the deli and those will melt just as well.
***You also do not want to use American “pasteurized prepared cheese product” singles here – that is not real cheese and will not give you the same end result.
****Pro Tip for tasting for salt: Make sure you taste the queso with a tortilla chip because those are salted and this will prevent you from oversalting.