Spicy Jerk Chicken Nachos with Zesty Lime and Cilantro
These Spicy Jerk Chicken Nachos are a delectable twist on classic nachos, infused with bold Jamaican flavors and a burst of freshness from cilantro and lime. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, these nachos are layered with crunchy tortilla chips, tender shredded chicken, and melty cheese, all topped with a vibrant bell pepper and cilantro mix. The jerk-spiced sour cream adds a creamy, zesty finish that elevates each bite. Make a batch for your next gathering, and watch them disappear!
12
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tortilla Chips
6 cups (none)
Shredded Cooked Chicken
3 cups (canned or freshly cooked)
Marbled Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Jamaican Jerk Spice
2 tablespoons (divided)
Red Bell Pepper
1 (diced)
Lime
1 (cut in half)
Fresh Cilantro
1/4 cup (snipped)
Sour Cream
1/4 cup (none)
Additional Jamaican Jerk Spice
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2
Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet, ensuring they overlap slightly to create a solid base.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marbled cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of Jamaican jerk spice. Stir gently to mix until combined.
4
Evenly distribute the chicken and cheese mixture over the tortilla chips, ensuring every bite has a delicious topping.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6
While the nachos are baking, dice the red bell pepper and prepare the lime by cutting it in half crosswise.
7
In a small bowl, squeeze the juice from one half of the lime, then add the diced bell pepper and the remaining tablespoon of jerk spice. Mix well to combine.
8
Using kitchen shears, snip the fresh cilantro into small pieces for garnish.
9
Spoon the bell pepper mixture evenly over the baked nachos, then sprinkle the snipped cilantro over the top.
10
For the jerk-spiced sour cream, combine 1/4 cup of sour cream with an additional teaspoon of jerk spice in a resealable plastic bag. Trim a corner of the bag and pipe the mixture over the loaded nachos for a flavorful finish.
11
Garnish with lime slices to add an extra zesty touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful creation!
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
25
Carbs
12.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Jerk Chicken Nachos?
Spicy Jerk Chicken Nachos are a Jamaican-inspired twist on classic nachos, featuring crunchy chips, shredded chicken, marbled cheddar, and a zesty lime and cilantro topping.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 12 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the nachos?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
How long do the nachos need to bake?
The nachos should bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded marbled cheddar cheese.
Can I use rotisserie or canned chicken?
Yes, you can use either canned shredded cooked chicken or freshly cooked shredded chicken.
How much jerk spice is needed in total?
You will need 2 tablespoons for the chicken and pepper mix, plus an optional 1 teaspoon for the sour cream.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the bell pepper topping?
Dice the red bell pepper and mix it with lime juice and 1 tablespoon of jerk spice.
What is the best way to garnish with cilantro?
Use kitchen shears to snip 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro into small pieces over the baked nachos.
How do I make the jerk-spiced sour cream?
Combine 1/4 cup of sour cream with 1 teaspoon of jerk spice in a plastic bag and pipe it over the nachos.
Can I use a baking sheet for this recipe?
Yes, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
How many cups of tortilla chips are required?
The recipe requires 6 cups of tortilla chips.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these nachos?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the lime juice used in the chicken mixture?
No, the lime juice is mixed with the diced bell peppers and jerk spice as a fresh topping.
How do I prevent the nachos from sticking to the pan?
Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing it will prevent sticking.
What should I do with the remaining half of the lime?
The remaining lime should be sliced and used as a final garnish for extra zest.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients, including the optional extra spice.
Should the chicken and cheese be mixed before topping?
Yes, combine the chicken, cheese, and 1 tablespoon of jerk spice in a bowl before spreading over the chips.
Can I serve these for a party?
Yes, they are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy nights in.
What category of food is this?
This recipe is categorized as an appetizer.
How do I apply the jerk spice evenly?
Dividing the spice between the chicken mixture, the pepper mixture, and the sour cream ensures even flavor.
Are these nachos spicy?
Yes, they feature bold Jamaican jerk flavors which typically have a spicy kick.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Add the cilantro as a garnish after the nachos have been removed from the oven and topped with the peppers.
Can I make the sour cream drizzle without a piping bag?
Yes, simply use a resealable plastic bag and trim a small corner to pipe the mixture.
What type of cuisine is this influenced by?
It is a fusion of Mexican-style nachos and Jamaican Caribbean flavors.
Is there any fiber or sugar information provided?
The recipe data does not specify fiber, sugar, sodium, or cholesterol levels.
Can I use a different type of pepper?
While the recipe calls for red bell pepper, you can experiment with other varieties for different flavor profiles.