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Qdoba Chicken Nachos Recipe

Qdoba Chicken Nachos Recipe

Joe Williams
Ah, Qdoba chicken nachos. When I first discovered them, I thought, “This is what happiness tastes like.”
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons taco spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • 1 8-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • Several dashes of your favorite hot sauce
  • High-quality tortilla chips
  • Freshly grated sharp cheddar-jack cheese

Optional:

  • fresh pico de gallo
  • sour cream
  • sliced black olives
  • chopped green onions
  • cilantro leaves
  • guacamole
  • a squeeze of fresh lime juice

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Start by seasoning the chicken. In a bowl, combine the taco spice blend, smoked paprika, chili powder, olive oil, and salt. Coat the chicken breasts with this mixture. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. You want it crispy on the outside and tender inside. Once done, remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

  • While the chicken is resting, combine the crushed tomatoes with the boiling water in a saucepan. Stir in dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. Let this simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Nachos

  • Now comes the fun part! Layer your crispy tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded chicken over the chips, and then generously top everything with the cheddar-jack cheese. Drizzle the tomato sauce over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Nachos

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your baking sheet in the oven and allow it to bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Add the Toppings

  • Once out of the oven, get creative with your toppings. Add fresh pico de gallo, dollops of sour cream, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions. Don’t forget the guacamole and a squeeze of lime juice for that zesty finish!

Notes

To ensure your nachos turn out great, consider these tips:
  • Use Quality Chips: Invest in high-quality tortilla chips. They hold up better under the load of toppings and provide a satisfying crunch.
  • Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can make nachos soggy. Layer them wisely!
  • Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken in advance. Just reheat when you’re ready to assemble.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix cheeses. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds depth.
  • Balance Heat: Adjust the level of hot sauce according to your spice tolerance. It’s easy to dial it back or amp it up.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal
Keyword Qdoba Chicken Nachos Recipe
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