Chipotle Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Yogurt

Looking for a show-stopping appetizer or snack for your next gathering? Chipotle Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Yogurt are the perfect choice. These nachos combine spicy, smoky chipotle chicken with fresh, creamy jalapeño yogurt, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your guests.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This nacho recipe is not just about indulgence; it also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, while black beans and corn provide fiber and essential vitamins. Avocado adds healthy fats, and the Greek yogurt in the jalapeño sauce offers probiotics and additional protein.

Preparing the Chipotle Chicken

The star of this dish is the chipotle chicken. Here’s how to make it:

1. Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine minced chipotle peppers, ground cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Cooking:
   • Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
   • Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred in spots.
   • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before shredding the chicken with two forks.

Making the Jalapeño Yogurt

This creamy, tangy yogurt sauce adds a refreshing kick to the nachos:

1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, finely chopped jalapeño, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and salt.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside until ready to serve.

Assembling the Nachos

Layering the ingredients ensures every bite is packed with flavor:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. On a large baking sheet, spread an even layer of tortilla chips.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheeses over the chips.
4. Evenly distribute the shredded chipotle chicken, black beans, corn, and sliced black olives over the cheese.
5. Add another layer of tortilla chips on top, followed by the remaining cheese.

Baking the Nachos

To achieve the perfect balance of crispy and gooey:

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your nachos with these delicious sides:

• Fresh Salsa: A bowl of homemade or store-bought salsa for extra freshness.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds another layer of flavor.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For those who like an extra kick.

Variations of the Recipe

Feel free to customize your nachos with these variations:

• Different Toppings: Try adding diced tomatoes, green onions, or pickled red onions.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add more beans or sautéed mushrooms.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt alternatives.

Storing and Reheating

Keep your nachos fresh with these tips:

• Storing: Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
   • Yes, shred the rotisserie chicken and toss it with the chipotle marinade before baking.
2. Is there a mild substitute for chipotle peppers?
   • You can use mild salsa or a mixture of smoked paprika and tomato paste for a less spicy option.
3. Can I make the jalapeño yogurt in advance?
   • Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
   • Regular yogurt works too, but it may be less thick. You can also use sour cream.
5. How can I make the nachos spicier?
   • Add sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños on top before baking.

Conclusion

Chipotle Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Yogurt are a delightful combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. This dish is perfect for entertaining guests or simply enjoying a delicious meal with family. With its vibrant ingredients and bold tastes, these nachos are sure to become a favorite.

Yield: 6

Chipotle Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Yogurt

Print

Looking for a show-stopping appetizer or snack for your next gathering? Chipotle Chicken Nachos with Jalapeño Yogurt are the perfect choice. These nachos combine spicy, smoky chipotle chicken with fresh, creamy jalapeño yogurt, creating a flavor explosion that's sure to impress your guests.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 small sweet potato, cubed
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder, use to your taste
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, drained
• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
• mashed avocado, cilantro, green onions, and limes, for serving
• Jalapeño Lime Yogurt:
• 1 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded, if desired, and chopped
• juice of 1-2 limes

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425° F.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the chicken, sweet potato, and onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks until the chicken is browned, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle chili powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add 3/4 cup water. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly around the chicken, about 10 minutes. Stir in the black beans.

3. Arrange the chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chips and spoon the chicken over top. Add the remaining cheese. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

4. Meanwhile, make the yogurt. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with a pinch of sea salt.

5. Serve the nachos hot out of the oven topped with yogurt, avocado, cilantro, onions, and lime juice.

Nutrition Information:

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 904