I have always had a huge affinity for nachos. I love making them – the bigger the better, and definitely love eating them. I love nachos with chicken, nachos with beef, and I’ve even been known to make veggie nachos. My adoration for them could be because they’re like a...

Smoked Chicken Nachos recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
1hr 30min
Total Time
1hr 50min

Ingredients

6 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion of nachos)

Wet Rub

  • cumin
    cumin
    2tbsp
  • chili powder
    chili powder
    2tbsp
  • seasoned salt
    seasoned salt
    1tbsp
  • cayenne pepper
    cayenne pepper
    1tbsp
  • paprika
    paprika
    1tbsp
  • onion powder
    onion powder
    1tbsp
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1tsp
  • canola oil
    canola oil
    2tbsp

Nachos

  • chicken wings, or any chicken, shredded
    chicken wings, or any chicken, shredded
    1lb
  • Cabot Farmhouse White Cheddar, shredded
    Cabot Farmhouse White Cheddar, shredded
    3cups
  • avocados halved and pitted
    avocados halved and pitted
    2
  • jalapenos sliced
    jalapenos sliced
    2
  • roma tomatoes diced, separated (2 and 1)
    roma tomatoes diced, separated (2 and 1)
    3
  • yellow onion diced
    yellow onion diced
    1/4
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    1tsp
  • limes squeezed
    limes squeezed
    2
  • Sea salt
    Sea salt
  • White tortilla chips
    White tortilla chips
  • canned black beans, drained and rinsed
    canned black beans, drained and rinsed
    8oz
  • canned shoepeg corn, drained and rinsed
    canned shoepeg corn, drained and rinsed
    8oz
  • Iceberg lettuce, rinsed and chopped
    Iceberg lettuce, rinsed and chopped
  • Black olives, sliced
    Black olives, sliced
  • Sour cream
    Sour cream
  • Handful cilantro, roughly chopped
    Handful cilantro, roughly chopped

How to make Smoked Chicken Nachos

Prepare Wet Rub and Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Combine cumin, chili powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sugar in a bowl. Add canola oil and stir until blended.

  2. Step 2

    Brush chicken wings with the wet rub.

  3. Step 3

    Add chicken, jalapenos, and avocados to the smoker. Smoke until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 160°F. Remove jalapenos and avocados earlier, turning halfway through.

  4. Step 4

    Pull all chicken from the bone, place in a bowl, and set aside.

Prepare Guacamole

  1. Step 1

    Combine smashed avocados with one diced jalapeno, two diced tomatoes, onion, garlic powder, cilantro, lime juice, and salt to taste.

  2. Step 2

    Refrigerate until nachos are ready to serve.

Assemble and Bake Nachos

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Step 2

    Add tortilla chips to a sheet pan. Top with shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, black beans, and corn.

  3. Step 3

    Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the edges of the chips are starting to brown.

  4. Step 4

    Top with black olives, jalapenos, lettuce, remaining diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

323.3kcal (16.17%)

Protein

23.3g (46.66%)

Carbs

13.3g (4.85%)

Sugars

1.7g (3.34%)

Healthy Fat

10.1g

Unhealthy Fat

8.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Use a smoker to enhance the flavor of the chicken and avocados for a unique smoky taste.

  2. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination.

  3. Prepare extra smoked chicken to use in other recipes like tacos or salads.

  4. Serve with icy margaritas and plenty of napkins for the ultimate experience.

  5. Don’t forget to add Cholula or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even a whole chicken instead of wings. Just ensure the chicken is smoked and shredded for the best flavor.

  2. How long should I smoke the chicken wings?

    Smoke chicken wings at 225°F-250°F for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you increase the temperature to 275°F, they should be ready in about 45 minutes.

  3. Can I make these nachos without a smoker?

    Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor.

  4. What other toppings can I add to these nachos?

    You can add toppings like diced bell peppers, pickled onions, or even a drizzle of queso for extra flavor.

  5. What type of cheese works best for nachos?

    Cabot Farmhouse White Cheddar is recommended, but you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.

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Shea Goldstein

(@dixiechikcooks)

A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch...

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