Sheet pan nachos have always been a big thing in my family. Growing up, our house was the hang-out spot for all of my friends. And something that my mom used to make us that would feed a large group of kids was sheet pan nachos. Top them off with homemade Quick Pickled Onions.
Table of Contents
Top Ingredients for Sheet Pan Nachos
Usually the better the ingredients, the better your food will taste. I'll go over some details about each ingredient, what's best to get high quality, what special things to look for, and what things can't be substituted. Not all items will have notes.
Mexican Style Chicken Tips
- Avocado Oil: I personally love avocado oil and using this to cook in sauté pans. However, you can use olive or vegetable oil. The smoking point will adjust, so pay close attention. Olive oil has a 410° F smoking point and avocado oil has a 520° F smoking point. Meaning that olive oil would burn at a lower temperature/time on the stove. - Chicken Breasts: I am using chicken breasts as I find they are the easiest to shred. However, you can do this with thighs. Or even with jackfruit for a vegan/vegetarian version.
- Fajita Seasoning: You can use a store-bought version in a packet or jar or you can make your own. I have a recipe on my site you can use!
- Salsa: I used a mild salsa, you could use whatever if your favorite! I usually prefer something spicy, but knew I was adding in jalapenos, so adjust as you'd like.
- Adobo Sauce: This can be optional if you don't like super spicy foods. I use the cans of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Then I use the leftovers for other recipes like my spicy turkey burgers.
Tips on Ingredients for Nachos
- Beans: You don't have to use black beans, but those are my favorite. Feel free to swap in refried or whatever floats your boat.
- Kale: This is a big yes for me! My friend introduced me to kale on nachos and life hasn't been the same since. The kale gets crispy and delicious and it makes me feel like they are healthier!
- Pickled Onions: I love a good pickled onion and they are so easy to make. Here is the recipe: Quick Pickled Onions.
Tips to make the best One Sheet Pan Meal
These tips are helpful for when you are making the recipe. Outside of the tips for ingredients above, these are tips on how to do something or why what I've listed in the recipe is necessary.
- Shredded Chicken: I personally like to make mine in advance because I don't want to have to make all these things at the same time. You can make it a couple of days in advance and store in the fridge. You will also have some leftovers, which can be great for making these nachos twice, or double the recipe for a bigger group. Or you can use it on salad, in quesadillas, etc.
- Cheese: The layering of cheese on the bottom and top is super necessary to get items to stick together. It acts like an ingredient glue sandwich. Be sure you layer correctly, according to the instructions below.
- Assembling: After baking your nachos comes the fun part. If you want to, you can build all the toppings right on top. Or if you have picky people you're eating with, just make little bowls of all the toppings and let people layer what they want on top.
FAQs on Sheet Pan Nachos
Sure. I would heat it separately and add it on top at the end.
Yes, use your favorite dairy-free cheese (something meltable or a liquid queso) and use jackfruit as your protein replacement. Prepare it almost the same as chicken, but I suggest rinsing and drying it first.
Other Recipes to Try
Love this Recipe?
Did you make this recipe and just love it? Awesome! If you have a quick minute and could leave a star rating and comment below, I would appreciate the support and knowing your feedback! And if you’re over on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your photos!
Equipment
- stand mixer or forks
Ingredients
Nacho Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken cooked
- ½ cup salsa your favorite brand
- 9 oz Tortilla chips
- 12 oz shredded Mexican cheese
- 2 cups kale loosely packed
- 15 oz black beans pre-cooked
Nacho Toppings Ingredients
- 1 avocado sliced
- ¼ cup pickled onion*
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 2 Radishes sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
Nacho Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F and take out a large lipped baking sheet. You can prepare it with parchment paper or leave it as is.
- Shred the cooked chicken with a fork or use a paddle attachment on your stand mixer. Add in salsa and stir well.
- Lay a hefty layer of tortilla chips. Take half of your cheese and sprinkle across the chips evenly. Then evenly spread out your kale, beans, and chicken. Then finish off with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them so you don't burn your nachos.
- Remove from oven and top with all or whichever toppings you would like to add. Serve and enjoy!
Josh T says
Easy enough for a weeknight!
Amanda Wilens says
So easy and perfect for hiding some greens into your meal!
Kylie says
These we AMAZING! Easy enough that my 4 year old could help with the prep (which she loved) and I was able to use a bunch of leftovers from the fridge (which I loved!!). Can't wait to make these again!
wilensamanda says
Yay! I'm so so glad you could make them together. And yay for repurposing leftovers! <3
Megan says
Shocked at how easy this was to make. And so many leftovers!
wilensamanda says
Agreed! So easy and delicious!
Kathleen W. says
WOW! This was amazing! I was hesitant about the kale and thought it would be weird, but not anymore! I can't wait to make them again. Also, the chicken..... after simmering in that La Victoria salsa, so so yummy! 🙂
wilensamanda says
I was hesitant about the kale at first too when a friend introduced me. But then it made sense. It is almost like a crispy kale chip on top. So yummy! So glad you liked it!
Erica M says
I want to make these. Every. Day! Who would've thought to put radishes on nachos?! Not me. And I LOVE radishes! They go so well, adding a little zing and some extra veggies to this dish.
wilensamanda says
Radishes are great on nachos and tacos! Love them!
Lindsey C says
Yum!! I've been looking for a great nacho recipe. Love how this is simple but loaded with flavorful ingredients, like La Victoria. Can't wait to try this.
wilensamanda says
Yes! So excited for you to try it. It's truly become a staple in our household. Let me know how it goes for you!
Cortney says
I've been making sheet pan nachos with sweet potatoes as meat, but I'm definitely going to need to try this recipe out! Thank you for sharing!
Amanda Wilens says
Oooh yes, I do love using jackfruit or sweet potatoes as well. You could definitely do a similar method with the jackfruit here! When you try it out, let me know how you like it 🙂
Cortney says
I'll try it out and let you know! 🙂