Elevate your next family dinner or game night with these irresistible Grilled Chicken Nachos! This vibrant Tex-Mex classic brings together crispy tortilla chips, savory taco-seasoned grilled chicken, perfectly warmed refried beans, and a luscious, homemade cheese sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, supremely cheesy, and utterly satisfying recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Craving more cheesy goodness? Explore our delightful Sheet Pan Nachos for a different take on easy entertaining, or dive into these uniquely flavorful Chili Dog Nachos.

Grilled Chicken Nachos: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal and Game Day Snack

As summer winds down and the rhythm of back-to-school life picks up, finding meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare becomes a top priority. My family, like many others, absolutely adores nachos, making them the perfect solution for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings. These Grilled Chicken Nachos hit all the right notes: they’re flavorful, customizable, and incredibly fun to eat, transforming any meal into an interactive experience. Forget soggy chips and bland toppings; this recipe focuses on perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, rich homemade cheese sauce, and layers of your favorite fresh ingredients, ensuring every bite is a delightful explosion of Tex-Mex flavors.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. We start with tender chicken breasts, generously seasoned with vibrant taco spices, then grilled to smoky perfection. This succulent chicken is then diced and layered over a bed of crisp tortilla chips alongside creamy refried beans. But the real star of the show is the velvety homemade cheese sauce – far superior to anything from a jar – which blankets every component in a rich, cheesy embrace. Finally, a medley of fresh toppings, from juicy diced tomatoes and creamy avocado to bright cilantro, adds a burst of freshness and texture. While I personally love a kick of jalapeños, I keep them optional for my kids, highlighting how easily you can tailor these nachos to suit everyone’s preferences.

Serving these nachos on a large sheet pan encourages a communal, utensil-free dining experience that everyone, especially kids, will love. It’s not just a meal; it’s an event, fostering connection and creating wonderful back-to-school memories around the dinner table. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner after a long school day, a festive dish for game night, or just an excuse to indulge in some serious comfort food, these Grilled Chicken Nachos are guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Grilled Chicken Nachos

Crafting exceptional nachos starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for making the best choices:

• Chicken: For this recipe, I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts due to their lean profile and quick cooking time. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor; just adjust the grilling time slightly as thighs tend to be more forgiving and cook a bit longer. Aim for even thickness by butterflying or pounding thicker breasts to ensure uniform cooking.
• Taco Seasoning: A good quality taco seasoning is crucial for infusing our chicken with that authentic Tex-Mex flavor. While a pre-packaged chicken taco seasoning mix offers convenience, feel free to use regular homemade taco seasoning for a fresher taste and customizable spice level. Remember to reserve a tablespoon for a surprising boost in our cheese sauce!
• Butter: Unsalted butter forms the base of our roux, which is essential for thickening the homemade cheese sauce. Its rich, creamy flavor adds depth and body to the sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content of the dish.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the second component of our roux. When cooked with butter, it creates a thickening agent that gives our cheese sauce its smooth, luscious consistency. Proper whisking is key here to prevent lumps and ensure a silky finish.
• Milk: I typically use 2% milk, but whole milk will yield an even creamier, richer cheese sauce. The fat content in the milk helps create a more stable emulsion with the cheese, preventing a grainy texture. For an extra decadent sauce, consider half-and-half or even a splash of evaporated milk.
• Cheese: The secret to a phenomenal cheese sauce is using a blend of easy-melting cheeses. My preferred combination includes medium cheddar for its classic sharp flavor, mozzarella for its incredible stretch and mild creaminess, and Monterey Jack for its smooth melting properties and subtle tang. Always grate your own cheese from blocks; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting.
• Beans: Creamy refried beans add a delightful texture and earthy flavor to the nachos. They create a wonderful base layer that helps hold all the toppings in place. If refried beans aren’t your preference, black beans or pinto beans (either whole or lightly mashed) make excellent alternatives, offering a slightly different texture and nutritional profile.
• Chips: The foundation of any great nacho platter is a sturdy, flavorful tortilla chip. Choose your favorite brand, opting for a thicker-cut chip that can stand up to the generous layers of toppings without becoming soggy too quickly. Lightly salted chips work best as they allow the flavors of the chicken and cheese sauce to shine.
• Toppings: This is where you can truly make the nachos your own! We love the freshness of diced tomatoes, the creamy richness of diced avocado, and the bright, herbaceous notes of cilantro. Other fantastic additions include cool sour cream, homemade guacamole, spicy jalapeños (fresh or pickled), or a vibrant pico de gallo. Don’t be afraid to get creative with sliced green onions, black olives, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick!

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Delicious Grilled Chicken Nachos

Making these grilled chicken nachos is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable meal:

STEP 1: Prepare the Chicken for Grilling. Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, slice them horizontally through the middle to create two thinner pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks more evenly and quickly on the grill. Take your chosen taco seasoning mix and carefully measure out 1 tablespoon to set aside for later use in the cheese sauce. Liberally sprinkle the remaining taco seasoning over both sides of the chicken pieces, ensuring they are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor penetration.

STEP 2: Grill the Taco-Seasoned Chicken. Preheat your grill to a medium heat, aiming for an approximate temperature of 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

STEP 3: Begin Crafting the Homemade Cheese Sauce. While the chicken rests, turn your attention to the creamy, decadent cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for about one minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste and form a smooth roux. This roux is the essential thickening base for our sauce.

STEP 4: Finish the Cheese Sauce. Gradually and slowly whisk in the milk into the roux. Continue to cook this mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This process usually takes a few minutes. Once the desired consistency is achieved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in your blend of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses, along with the reserved 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning mix. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted into a smooth, homogenous sauce. Keep the cheese sauce warm over very low heat or in a double boiler until ready to assemble, being careful not to overheat it, which can cause a grainy texture.

STEP 5: Prepare the Beans and Dice the Chicken. While your cheese sauce stays warm, gently heat the refried beans in a separate small saucepan over low heat with a tablespoon of water, just until warmed through and spreadable. This helps them adhere better to the chips. Once the grilled chicken has rested, dice it into bite-sized pieces, perfect for sprinkling over the nachos.

STEP 6: Assemble the Nacho Layers. Now for the fun part – assembling your masterpiece! Choose a large baking sheet with raised edges, which is ideal for containing all the delicious ingredients. Spread half of your chosen tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet. Next, drizzle about half of the warmed refried beans over the chips, followed by half of the diced grilled chicken. Repeat this layering process with the remaining tortilla chips, refried beans, and chicken. This double-layering technique ensures that every chip gets a generous amount of toppings.

STEP 7: Drizzle with Warm Cheese Sauce. Generously pour or drizzle the warm, homemade cheese sauce evenly over the layered chips, beans, and chicken. Ensure the cheese sauce reaches all the nooks and crannies, enveloping the nachos in its rich, creamy goodness.

STEP 8: Add Toppings and Serve. Finally, adorn your magnificent nachos with all of your favorite desired toppings. Arrange diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, or spicy jalapeños artfully over the cheesy layers. Serve immediately while the chips are still crisp and the cheese sauce is warm and gooey. Grab a chip and dig in!

Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Nachos Every Time

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Nachos are always a resounding success, keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind:

• Create a Nacho Bar: For larger gatherings or picky eaters, setting up a nacho bar is a fantastic idea. Arrange the chips, grilled chicken, warm cheese sauce, refried beans, and all the various toppings in separate bowls. This allows everyone to customize their own portion of nachos, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they love. It’s an excellent way to make mealtime more interactive and enjoyable.
• Mind the Cheese Sauce Temperature: The homemade cheese sauce is best when warm and smooth. However, it’s crucial to keep it warm without letting it get too hot or boil. If overheated or left to sit for too long, the cheese sauce can become grainy and lose its silky texture. If it starts to thicken too much, a tiny splash of warm milk can help revive it.
• Serve Immediately for Optimal Crispness: Nachos are truly at their best when served right after assembly. The warmth from the cheese sauce and beans can quickly soften the tortilla chips, leading to a less enjoyable texture. Plan to have all your components ready so you can assemble and serve within minutes.
• Make Ahead Components: While assembling immediately is key, you can prep several components in advance. Grill and dice the chicken up to 2-3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also prepare and chop all your fresh toppings a day in advance. The cheese sauce is best made fresh, but you can shred your cheese ahead of time.
• Prevent Soggy Chips: To further combat soggy chips, especially if you prefer to bake your nachos briefly to melt the cheese, consider placing a layer of shredded cheese directly on the chips before adding any wet ingredients like beans or chicken. This creates a barrier that can protect the chips from moisture.
• Vary Your Protein: While grilled chicken is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other proteins. Ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning, slow-cooked pork carnitas, or even shredded steak would make delicious variations.
• Equipment Matters: Using a large, rimmed baking sheet is ideal for assembling and serving a big batch of nachos. It provides ample surface area for layering and keeps all the ingredients neatly contained. A good quality whisk is also indispensable for making a smooth cheese sauce.

Discover More Tex-Mex Favorites

If you loved these Grilled Chicken Nachos, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our vibrant Tex-Mex recipes. Dive into these other crowd-pleasing dishes for more flavor-packed meals:

Tex-Mex Bacon Cheeseburgers
Pork Carnitas Burrito Bowl
Taco Casserole

LOOKING FOR MORE FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram.

Grilled Chicken Nachos

☆
☆
☆
☆
☆

No ratings yet

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15
minutes

Cook Time:

30
minutes

Total Time:

45
minutes

Servings:

4
servings

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
Mexican

Print
Pin
Save

Whether for family dinner or game night, everyone will love these Grilled Chicken Nachos. Tortilla chips are topped with beans, taco seasoned grilled chicken, and an easy homemade cheese sauce in this easy, cheesy Tex-Mex recipe.

Ingredients

• 
  1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 
  1 oz package chicken taco seasoning mix divided
• 
  2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 
  2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 
  1 cup milk
• 
  2 oz medium cheddar cheese shredded
• 
  2 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
• 
  2 oz monterey jack cheese shredded
• 
  1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans
• 
  1 (11 to 12 oz) bag tortilla chips
• 
  favorite nacho toppings such as diced tomatoes, diced avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, etc.

Instructions

1. If your chicken breasts are thick or larger, cut them in half lengthwise, forming thinner chicken breasts. (This helps them to cook more evenly.) Reserve 1 tablespoon of the taco seasoning mix and set aside. Sprinkle the rest of the seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken.
   1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 oz package chicken taco seasoning mix
2. Heat a grill to medium heat (about 350ºF). Oil the grill, and grill the chicken until the internal temperature registers 160ºF, about 8-10 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and allow it to cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is thick enough to coat a spoon. Once the mixture is thick, turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, monterey jack cheese and the reserved 1 tablespoon of Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix. Keep the cheese sauce warm.
   2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 cup milk, 2 oz medium cheddar cheese, 2 oz mozzarella cheese, 2 oz monterey jack cheese
4. In another saucepan, heat the refried beans with about a tablespoon of water, just until warmed through.
   1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans
5. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Place half of the tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with half of the warmed refried beans, and half of the diced chicken. Spread the remaining tortilla chips over the top, then the remaining refried beans and remaining chicken. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the top, then top with your desired toppings.
   1 (11 to 12 oz) bag tortilla chips, favorite nacho toppings
7. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes:

You will want to use the cheese sauce as soon as it is ready, as it will start to become grainy if left too long.
One packet of taco seasoning contains about 3 tablespoons of seasoning.

Keywords:
grilled chicken nachos