Perfect Chicken Enchilada Nachos: Quick & Delicious!

Okay, Mom Squad, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a dinner that’s not only delicious but also a total sanity-saver: chicken enchilada nachos! This isn’t your average nachos recipe. It’s a fiesta of flavor, packed with all the goodness of chicken enchiladas but served up in a fun, easy-to-eat way that even the pickiest eaters will love.

I remember the first time I made chicken enchilada nachos. It was a Tuesday (because, let’s be honest, Tuesdays are always the hardest, right?). The kids were extra-whiny, I was staring blankly into the fridge at 5 PM, and the 5 PM panic was setting in hard. I had some leftover shredded chicken from the night before and a can of enchilada sauce. An idea sparked! I thought what if I made chicken enchilada nachos and my family loved them.

I threw everything onto a baking sheet with some tortilla chips and cheese, baked it until melty and bubbly, and BAM! Chicken enchilada nachos were born. Seriously, it was like a dinner miracle. The kids devoured it, my husband raved, and I got to sit down for more than five minutes (a true win!).

This chicken enchilada nachos recipe has become a staple in our house. The beauty of this recipe is that it is super versatile and you can add whatever toppings your family loves. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you need a quick, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

So, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s ditch the dinner stress and dive into this chicken enchilada nachos goodness together. I promise, it’s a game-changer!

Okay, mama doesn’t have time for fancy when it comes to ingredients, trust me. This chicken enchilada nachos recipe is all about keeping it simple and delicious.

• 1 bag (10-12 oz) tortilla chips: Use your favorite kind! Restaurant-style are great, but any sturdy chip will do.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here! Or, you can use leftover grilled or baked chicken.
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce: I usually grab the mild kind, but if your family likes a little heat, go for the medium or hot.
• 2 cups shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work great. I usually do a combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• 1/2 cup diced onion: Adds a nice bite!
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens everything up.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeños, black olives… the sky’s the limit!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil To drizzle over the chips

No worries if you don’t have fresh cilantro. I use dried cilantro all the time in my chicken enchilada nachos. It’s all about making things work with what you have on hand!

You can grab most of these ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run.

Here’s a chicken enchilada nachos trick that saved my sanity: I always keep a rotisserie chicken on hand for quick meals like this. It’s a huge time-saver!

This chicken enchilada nachos doesn’t have to break the bank. Use what you have, swap ingredients as needed, and don’t be afraid to get creative! You can find pre-shredded cheese to save time. I like to shred my own cheese from a block to avoid the powdery coating on the pre-shredded kind.

For a budget-friendly version of this chicken enchilada nachos recipe, consider making your own enchilada sauce. It’s surprisingly easy!

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for more chicken enchilada nachos or other quick meals!

My family loves when I add extra cheese! I mean, who doesn’t love extra cheese?

Alright, kitchen warriors, let’s get this chicken enchilada nachos party started! These step-by-step instructions are written like we’re cooking together in my kitchen! Don’t forget to check out this Chicken Enchilada Nachos Recipe | Dude That Cookz for another great take on this dish.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a large baking sheet.
2. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet. This is important so that your chips become crispy.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the tortilla chips. This will help them crisp up in the oven.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and enchilada sauce. Mix it well so the chicken is coated evenly.
5. Spoon the chicken mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread it out as evenly as possible. You can find another chicken enchilada nachos recipe | Gimme Some Oven.
6. Sprinkle the diced onion over the chicken. This adds a great flavor.
7. Top with the shredded cheese. Don’t be shy! I like to make sure every chip has some cheese on it.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your chicken enchilada nachos should smell amazing by now!
9. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro. This adds a pop of freshness.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and jalapeños are all great choices.

In my chaotic kitchen, this chicken enchilada nachos recipe usually takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!

Here’s where I used to mess up my chicken enchilada nachos: I wouldn’t spread the chicken mixture evenly, so some chips would have tons of chicken and others would have none. Don’t make my mistake!

Don’t panic if your chicken enchilada nachos looks a little messy coming out of the oven. That’s part of the charm!

While your chicken enchilada nachos is doing its thing in the oven, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!

For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked chicken strips instead of shredded chicken. Just chop them up and mix them with the enchilada sauce.

This recipe for chicken enchilada nachos is easily doubled or tripled for a crowd. Just use a larger baking sheet or two!

This chicken enchilada nachos is a family favorite for so many reasons! It’s quick, easy, and everyone gets to customize their toppings.

The kids devour this chicken enchilada nachos when I serve it with a simple side salad or some cut-up veggies. It’s a balanced meal that they actually enjoy!

This chicken enchilada nachos is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something fast and satisfying. It’s also great for game nights or casual get-togethers.

Presentation-wise, I like to serve the chicken enchilada nachos directly on the baking sheet for a casual, family-style vibe. But you can also transfer them to a large platter if you’re feeling fancy.

Leftover chicken enchilada nachos? If there are any, I like to chop them up and add them to a quesadilla or scramble them with eggs for breakfast.

For a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted sweet potatoes or corn to your chicken enchilada nachos in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and warmth.

I remember when I served this chicken enchilada nachos to some friends and they raved about it! They couldn’t believe how easy and delicious it was.

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini!

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Pretzel Crusted Chicken.

Did you know that you can also make this chicken enchilada nachos in the air fryer? For information, check out this Easiest Mexican style dinner I make enchilada nachos in my air fryer.

I know you have questions, Mom Squad! Here are some of the most common ones I get about making chicken enchilada nachos, answered with my own experiences and a whole lot of mom love.

• Can my picky eater handle this chicken enchilada nachos?
  • Absolutely! The beauty of chicken enchilada nachos is that you can customize it to your picky eater’s preferences. Start with a mild enchilada sauce and skip the toppings they don’t like. My son used to only eat the chips and cheese, but eventually, he started trying the chicken too!
• What if I burn my chicken enchilada nachos? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  • Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If the chips start to burn, you can tent the baking sheet with foil. But honestly, a little bit of char just adds to the flavor, in my opinion!
• Can I make this chicken enchilada nachos ahead for meal prep?
  • You can definitely prep the chicken mixture ahead of time. Just combine the shredded chicken and enchilada sauce and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the nachos. I wouldn’t assemble the entire chicken enchilada nachos ahead of time, though, because the chips will get soggy.
• What kind of cheese works best for chicken enchilada nachos?
  • I usually use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but any cheese that melts well will work. A Mexican blend is also a great option.
• Can I use ground beef instead of chicken in these enchilada nachos?
  • Absolutely! Ground beef, shredded pork, or even black beans would be delicious in these chicken enchilada nachos.
• My kids don’t like onions. Can I leave them out?
  • Of course! Feel free to omit any ingredients your family doesn’t like. That’s the beauty of this recipe – it’s totally customizable.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken enchilada nachos?
  • I recommend reheating them in the oven or toaster oven to help crisp up the chips again. You can also microwave them, but they might get a little soggy.

This chicken enchilada nachos recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of survival in the beautiful chaos of family life. It’s a reminder that you don’t need to be a perfect cook to create something delicious and satisfying for your loved ones.

My Chicken Enchilada Nachos Mom Hacks:

• Rotisserie chicken is your best friend: Seriously, it saves so much time!
• Don’t be afraid to use shortcuts: Pre-shredded cheese, pre-chopped veggies… whatever makes your life easier!
• Get the kids involved: Let them help assemble the nachos and choose their own toppings.

Here are a few family-tested variations of the best chicken enchilada nachos:

• Spicy Chicken Enchilada Nachos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a hot enchilada sauce.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Nachos: Use black beans or lentils instead of chicken.
• BBQ Chicken Enchilada Nachos: Use BBQ sauce instead of enchilada sauce and top with coleslaw.

My son loves the plain cheese version, while my daughter prefers hers with extra sour cream. And my husband? He always goes for the spiciest version possible!

I hope this chicken enchilada nachos recipe brings as much joy and ease to your dinner table as it has to mine. Remember, cooking is about love, not perfection. So, go ahead, embrace the chaos, and create something delicious for your family! This Mexican nachos meal is so easy to make. I know you can make great easy enchilada nachos.

You can do this! I am sending you all my encouragement about trying this chicken enchilada nachos.