Perfect for game day or any party, these loaded healthy nachos with seasoned ground chicken and fresh veggies are so good! Crunchy, cheesy, sweet and savory, and so easy to make! A true crowd pleaser!
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Perfect for game day, these nachos are a healthier alternative to regular loaded nachos. We use leaner ingredients, including ground chicken, baked tortilla chips and nutrient-rich veggies. Nutritious without sacrificing the taste, these nachos will keep you full and satisfied.
- This recipe is versatile and customizable to your taste. While I use ground chicken, you can easily use turkey or beef instead. Rotisserie chicken would also be great. Add my restaurant-style salsa, my spicy jalapeño salsa or corn and mango salsa for added flavor and spice.
- These nachos are so delicious! And kids-approved (maybe without the jalalpeño)!
Key Ingredients and Variations
- Tortilla chips: use your favorite ones, I picked baked cause they're lower in fat calories. Whole grains are great too.
- Ground chicken: lean, high in protein and delicious, it's a great addition to nachos. Replace with rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, ground turkey, ground lean beef, carne asada.
- Taco seasoning: to season the chicken but you can use the spices you prefer.
- Cheese: shredded cheddar, Mexican style mixed or of choice. Use reduced-fat if you want to save calories.
- Black beans: add fiber, protein and flavor. Can be replaced with pinto beans. Refried beans are great on nachos too but the calories are higher.
- Corn: the sweetness of the corn is amazing on these healthy nachos.
- Avocado: I used fresh chopped avocado but guacamole would work too.
- Tomatoes: the acidity and texture of the tomatoes work great on nachos. You can use salsa fresca instead which already include onion and cilantro.
- Fresh cilantro: I believe that fresh herbs always elevate recipes with the freshness, aroma and flavor.
- Greek yogurt: or sour cream. Greek yogurt has less fat, more nutrients and protein.
How to make these healthy nachos
- Preheat the oven at 400° Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Chop/slice the avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and jalapeño.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken. Season it with taco seasoning, then cook for about 7 minutes on medium-high, stirring often. Add the minced garlic, stir it in and continue cooking for 1-3 minutes. Remove from heat, drain any extra liquid.
Lay chips all over on the baking sheet, add cheese, black beans and cooked chicken. Add more cheese and bake for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Remove from oven. Add corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, sour cream if you wish. Serve right away and enjoy!
More Party Food Recipes
Tips
- Make sure to drain any liquid from the cooked chicken before adding it to the chips. You can use a slotted spatula to transfer the chicken. (the chicken must be cooked before added it to the nachos)
- Drain the black beans and corn well too. You don't want to make the nachos soggy.
- While these nachos are healthier than classic nachos, portion control is always key when it comes to fun food.
- Skip the jalapeño if you don't want heat, or add more spice with hot sauce.
- You can add more veggies too, like bell pepper and shredded lettuce.
Frequently Asked questions
Avoid adding too many wet ingredients (like salsa), or wait until the last second to add them to the platter. Make sure to drain the beans and corn well too.
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Healthy Nachos with Chicken
Equipment
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces tortilla chips baked
- ½ tablespoon oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup corn drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 avocado chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 sliced jalapeño optional
- plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 400° Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop/slice the avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and jalapeño.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground chicken. Season it with taco seasoning, then cook for about 7 minutes on medium-high, stirring often. Add the minced garlic, stir it in and continue cooking for 1-3 minutes. Remove from heat, drain any extra liquid.
- Lay chips all over on the baking sheet, then add some cheese, black beans and the cooked chicken. Add more cheese and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven. Add corn, avocado, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, Greek yogurt if you wish. Serve right away and enjoy!
Notes
- Tortilla chips: choose baked chips over fried to save calories.
- Adjust portion of any ingredient to your taste.
Nutrition
About Priscilla Lawrence
Hi there, I'm Priscilla Lawrence! Welcome to Sprinkled With Balance where I share elevated and approachable nutrient-rich recipes that aren't overly restrictive, complicated or boring! Based in California but born and raised in France, I'm a mom of two, former certified nutritionist, recipe developer, and food photographer.
Cindy says
Soooo yummy - nacho lover here. These are easy to make and taste amazing. I also used Priscilla's salsa recipe - Restaurant Style Salsa - for a topper. That salsa is so easy and delicious. It's a staple in our house.
Priscilla Lawrence says
I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe! And yes that salsa is a must! Thank you!