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Fajita Chicken Nachos

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These Fajita Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleasing, Tex-Mex inspired snack featuring juicy marinated chicken, sizzling peppers and onions, and plenty of melty cheese over sturdy tortilla chips. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner, they’re quick, easy, and loaded with bold flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1/2 a lime)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large yellow or orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 10 oz sturdy tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and toss until coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  2. While the chicken marinates, slice peppers and onion into thin strips. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the peppers and onions. Sauté for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to char at the edges.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tortilla chips in a single, slightly overlapping layer on a large baking sheet. Scatter half the cheese over the chips, then top with half the chicken and veggies. Repeat with remaining cheese, chicken, and veggies.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble. For crispier edges, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Remove from oven. Top with pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Notes

For gluten-free nachos, use certified gluten-free tortilla chips. For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based cheese. Marinating the chicken, using sturdy chips, and layering toppings evenly are key for best results. Assemble ahead and bake just before serving for maximum crispness. Leftovers reheat best in the oven.

Nutrition

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