Loaded Chicken Nachos & Peach Margarita
Loaded Chicken Nachos & Peach Margarita is the ultimate indulgent treat for any party or casual get-together. This vibrant dish features crispy tortilla chips topped with savory shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños.
The chicken is cooked in a flavorful seasoning mix with cumin, paprika, and lime juice, making it extra juicy and packed with bold flavors.
Pairing these nachos with a refreshing peach margarita adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making it an unforgettable combination for your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this dish brings the perfect mix of cheesy, spicy, and refreshing all in one bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Loaded Chicken Nachos & Peach Margarita recipe because it combines everything you crave in a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
The nachos are a perfect balance of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful, with tender, seasoned chicken that packs a punch thanks to the mix of cumin, paprika, and lime.
Topped with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a little kick from jalapeños, each bite is a burst of satisfying flavors.
The homemade quick guacamole is the perfect creamy, zesty complement to the nachos.
The addition of the Peach Margarita takes this meal to the next level, offering a refreshing, fruity contrast to the spicy nachos.
The sweetness of the peaches and the tartness of lime in the margarita provide the perfect drink pairing, enhancing the overall experience.
Whether it’s a fun weeknight meal or the star of a party spread, this recipe brings everyone together with irresistible flavors and textures that make you want to dig in and keep coming back for more!
Loaded Chicken Nachos & Peach Margarita
Ingredients:
NACHOS:
250g / 8 oz tortilla or plain corn chips
Shredded chicken for nachos , recipe follows
250g / 8 oz (2.5 cups) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
Quick guacamole , recipe follows
Toppings: Sour cream, Coriander / cilantro leaves, Jalapeno , sliced or chopped
CHICKEN FOR NACHOS:
700 g / 1.2 lb chicken thighs or breast , skinless boneless
1.5 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tsp sugar
1 cup (250ml) chicken broth, separated (liquid stock)
HOMEMADE NACHOS MEAT SEASONING:
3 tbsp lime juice (Note 4)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves , minced
2 tsp EACH garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
3 tsp EACH cumin powder, paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp salt and pepper , each
QUICK GUACAMOLE:
2 avocados , medium
3 tbsp coriander/cilantro , roughly chopped
2 tbsp lime juice (1 large)
Instructions:
CHICKEN FOR NACHOS:
Place Nachos Seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Add 2 tbsp of the chicken broth and mix to form a loose paste. Add chicken, turn to coat in paste.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Cook chicken for 3 minutes on each side (reserve paste left in bowl). Remove chicken into a shallow dish.
Return skillet to stove. Add remaining chicken broth, tomato paste, sugar and scrape in any paste left in the bowl. Mix to dissolve, scraping base of pan, and bring to simmer.
Meanwhile, shred chicken with forks, or chop (don’t worry if raw inside). Return chicken into sauce, toss and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce reduces down to a thick sauce. Adjust salt to taste. Keep warm.
QUICK GUACAMOLE:
Place ingredients in a bowl. Use potato masher to mash to desired consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
NACHOS:
Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Place half the corn chips slightly overlapping on a tray. Top with half the (warm) chicken and cheese.
Top with remaining chips and cheese. Bake 7 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with coriander/cilantro and jalapeño. Serve immaterial with quick Guacamole and sour cream.
Enjoy !!
Notes:
Notes for the Nachos:
Chicken Choice:
You can use either chicken thighs or chicken breasts for the nachos. Thighs are more flavorful and juicy, but chicken breasts will work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
Seasoning Adjustments:
The Nachos Meat Seasoning is highly customizable. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper if you prefer more or less heat. You can also add more garlic powder or onion powder for an extra savory boost.
Guacamole Consistency:
For the guacamole, mash the avocados to your desired consistency. Some like it chunky, others prefer it smoother. You can also add more lime juice for a zesty kick or extra cilantro for freshness.
Tortilla Chips:
When layering the nachos, make sure the chips are slightly overlapping so every bite has enough toppings. You can use your favorite brand of tortilla chips, or even make your own at home for a more authentic touch.
Cheese Options:
Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, while cheddar gives a sharper taste. You can use a mix of both or opt for one based on your preferences. Be sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt!
Baking Tips:
Bake the nachos until the cheese is bubbly, but be careful not to overbake, as the chips could get too crunchy. Keep an eye on them after 5 minutes in the oven.
Toppings:
For extra flavor, try adding pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones, or include other toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or even sour cream. Customize to your taste!
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the nachos immediately after baking to keep the cheese gooey and the chips crispy. Pair with a cold Peach Margarita for a refreshing and indulgent treat!
For the Peach Margarita (if making one):
Fresh or Frozen Peaches:
If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use frozen peaches for the peach puree. They will blend up nicely and provide a cool, refreshing taste.
Adjusting Sweetness:
If the peach puree is too sweet, you can balance it with a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of soda water for a lighter margarita.
Optional Salt Rim:
For an extra pop of flavor, consider rimming your glass with salt or tahini instead of the traditional sugar.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 550 kcal | Protein: 34g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for the nachos?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other meats like ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you could use black beans or grilled vegetables as the base for the nachos.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! The seasoned chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Just reheat the chicken in a pan with a bit of chicken broth before assembling your nachos.
What if I don’t have tortilla chips?
If you don’t have tortilla chips, you can use any type of sturdy chip, such as pita chips, or even make your own by baking slices of corn tortillas until crispy.
Alternatively, you can use nacho-flavored chips for extra flavor!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring the tortilla chips you use are gluten-free and substituting the all-purpose flour in the guacamole with a gluten-free flour, if necessary.
How can I adjust the heat level in the nachos?
To control the spice level, you can adjust the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds before adding it to the chicken seasoning.
If you prefer less heat, you can also use mild chili powder or leave out the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
Can I use store-bought salsa instead of making guacamole?
Yes, you can use store-bought salsa if you’re short on time.
However, homemade guacamole adds a fresh and creamy element to the nachos that complements the chicken perfectly.
You can also mix salsa with the guacamole for added flavor if you prefer a combination.
Can I make the nacho seasoning ahead of time?
Yes! The homemade nacho seasoning (with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, etc.) can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
This makes the recipe quicker to assemble when you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to shake it up before using!
How can I make the nachos spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeños to the chicken mixture, sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the nachos, or even add a drizzle of hot sauce over the finished nachos.
For extra spice in the guacamole, you can add minced serrano peppers or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I substitute the chicken thighs for another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast, ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded pork.
Just be sure to adjust the cooking times based on the meat you’re using.
If using ground meat, cook it fully before adding the seasoning and broth.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
The seasoning and toppings will still make it flavorful and delicious without the meat.