Healthy Chicken Nachos

By Judy Capodanno
Published 2/7/2022
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Gluten Free | Diabetic

Make jalapeño-spiked chicken nachos that are saucy, cheesy and meant for sharing. This Southwestern-inspired chicken appetizer recipe uses whole-grain tortilla chips and part-skim cheddar for a healthy spin on traditional nachos that are typically loaded with fat and calories.

Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Calories
248
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Why You’ll Love These Healthy Chicken Nachos

Do you long for nachos that are easy on your waistline and better for your health? This low calorie chicken recipe packs all of the cheesy goodness and Mexican flavors you love from nachos in only 248 calories per serving. They’re also high in protein (19 g) and have only 21g of carbohydrates, making this a diabetic-friendly chicken recipe that can be enjoyed even by those on restricted diets. Made with just 9 ingredients, adults and kids alike will gobble up these nachos as an appetizer, game day snack or light meal.

Making this spicy chicken recipe is easier than you think. Start by seasoning a skinless boneless chicken breast and baking it until fully cooked (you can also use leftover chicken to make things even easier). Then layer whole grain nachos on a baking sheet with the cooked shredded chicken, as well as the rest of the ingredients, before broiling so the cheese melts. The beauty of this dish is that you can switch things up to suit your taste preferences. If you like things hot, add some more jalapeno. Prefer your nachos with more sauce? Up the amount of salsa or taco sauce. You can also top with additional ingredients after cooking, such as lettuce, scallions, olives or low-fat sour cream.

Most tortilla chips are made from corn, which is naturally gluten-free. We use whole grain tortilla chips in this gluten free chicken recipe, which should contain no gluten-containing ingredients, like wheat. Just be sure to check labels on the tortillas and any sauces you use before consuming if you have celiac disease, a gluten allergy or gluten sensitivity - or if you’re following a gluten-free diet for any other reason.

If you’re looking to create a flavorful party spread that’s sure to draw rave reviews, serve these healthy nachos along with our fresh Guacamole, sweet and spicy Mango Habanero Salsa or hearty Black Bean Quinoa Salad - or try one of our other football party recipes. The nachos also make a great accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 4 servings

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How to Make Chicken Nachos

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°.

  2. Step 2

    Sprinkle chicken with chili powder and place in a baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Preheat broiler. Line a baking sheet with foil, layer ingredients in the following order: nachos, half the cheese, tomato, onion, jalapenos, taco sauce, salsa and chicken. Sprinkle remaining cheese over nachos.

  4. Step 4

    Broil nachos 4 inches from heat for approximately 5 minutes or until cheese is fully melted. Serve immediately.

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Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
3 chips

248
Calories
10
g
Fat
35
mg
Cholesterol
309
mg
Sodium
21
g
Carbs
2
g
Sat. Fat
3
g
Fiber
19
g
Protein
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More Healthy Nacho Recipes

If you love nachos like we love nachos, check out some of our other favorites like Sheet Pan Nachos and Mini Chicken Nachos. They’re perfect for any party or social gathering. Hungry for even more game day bites? Give these tailgating food ideas a try! Your taste buds will be cheering for the delicious flavors while your health will be the winner thanks to the nutritious ingredients in these scrumptious dishes.

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