Description
Mouthwatering spicy cheesy blackened chicken nachos invite diners into a flavor-packed Mexican-inspired feast. Crisp tortilla chips layered with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and zesty toppings promise you a delicious culinary adventure.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 3 large chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon red chile flakes
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 15.25-ounce (432 grams) can corn
- 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- Salsa, to taste
- Tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the oven broiler to high, preparing for a sizzling nacho experience.
- Coat chicken thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, chile flakes, and hot sauce, ensuring even distribution of spicy flavors.
- In a cast iron skillet over high heat, cook the seasoned chicken for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), cooking in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, then add onion, tomatoes, corn, and jalapenos to the same pan, sprinkling with additional Cajun seasoning.
- Sauté vegetables until they soften and become slightly caramelized, then reintroduce the cooked chicken, mixing thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Distribute cheese and salsa evenly over the chicken-vegetable mixture, creating a rich and tangy layer.
- Place skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until cheese melts completely and becomes bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately top with crispy tortilla chips, dollops of sour cream, fresh basil, and any additional desired garnishes.
- Serve hot, ensuring each portion captures the spicy, cheesy essence of the dish.
Notes
- Blackening Technique Ensure high heat for authentic blackened flavor, creating a crispy exterior while keeping chicken juicy and tender.
- Batch Cooking Avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve proper searing and prevent steaming the chicken, which reduces crispy texture.
- Spice Level Adjustment Modify Cajun seasoning and chile flakes to personalize heat intensity, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy preferences.
- Dietary Modifications Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein alternatives, use dairy-free cheese for vegan version, and choose gluten-free tortilla chips for diverse dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg