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Savory Super Bowl Chili Chicken Nacho Melts

Super Bowl Chili Chicken Nacho Melts - featured image

A quick and easy recipe combining smoky chili-spiced shredded chicken with melted sharp cheddar cheese on sturdy tortilla chips, perfect for game day or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works wonders here)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the chicken mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture seems dry.
  6. Preheat the oven broiler on high and arrange a rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
  7. Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips across a baking sheet.
  8. Evenly distribute the chili chicken mixture over the chips.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by sliced jalapeños.
  10. Place the tray under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts, bubbles, and just starts to brown.
  11. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top.
  12. Serve immediately with optional sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh tomatoes.

Notes

Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese. Pre-cook onion and garlic for best flavor. Rotate pan halfway if broiler heats unevenly. For gluten-free, verify chips and seasonings. Dairy-free cheese can be substituted.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili chicken nachos, game day recipe, Super Bowl snacks, cheesy nachos, easy chicken nachos, spicy nachos