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football tailgate sheet pan nachos with smoky pulled chicken - featured image

Football Tailgate Sheet Pan Nachos with Smoky Pulled Chicken

  • Author: Maya
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Description

A hearty, smoky, and cheesy sheet pan nacho recipe featuring slow-cooked pulled chicken thighs, perfect for feeding a crowd at tailgates or parties with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 large bags (approx. 24 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup jalapeños, sliced
  • 4 stalks green onions, chopped
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salsa and guacamole for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, brown sugar, and salt.
  3. Place chicken thighs in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Rub with spice blend, then add apple cider vinegar and chicken broth.
  4. Cook chicken on low for 4-5 hours (slow cooker) or simmer on stovetop for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
  5. Remove chicken from liquid, discard excess liquid, and shred using two forks.
  6. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Spread half the tortilla chips on the pan. Top with half the chicken, half the beans, half the jalapeños, and half the cheese.
  8. Repeat layers with remaining chips, chicken, beans, jalapeños, and cheese.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling and chips are crispy.
  10. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with green onions and cilantro.
  11. Drizzle with sour cream and serve immediately with salsa and guacamole.

Notes

Use sturdy restaurant-style chips to prevent breaking. Grate your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. Ensure beans and jalapeños are dry to avoid soggy nachos. Serve immediately for best texture. Chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 1/8 of the p
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 24
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: tailgate food, sheet pan nachos, pulled chicken, game day snacks, easy party food, smoky chicken, crowd pleaser

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Find it online: https://globaltablerecipes.com/football-tailgate-sheet-pan-nachos-with-smoky-pulled-chicken/