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Crispy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Nachos

crispy sheet pan chicken fajita nachos - featured image
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A quick and easy 30-minute recipe featuring smoky chicken, sweet bell peppers, and crumbly queso fresco roasted together on a sheet pan for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • About 6 cups (approx. 180 g) sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 cup (120 g) crumbled queso fresco
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, sour cream or crema, avocado slices or guacamole

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Thinly slice 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into strips about ¼ inch thick and place in a mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the chicken and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
  4. Thinly slice 1 red and 1 green bell pepper and 1 medium onion. Toss lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper in a separate bowl.
  5. Spread the chicken and veggies evenly on a rimmed sheet pan, making sure chicken strips lie flat and veggies are spread out.
  6. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, tossing gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  7. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and reduce heat to 400°F (200°C).
  8. Spread about 6 cups of sturdy tortilla chips evenly over the chicken and veggies on the pan.
  9. Sprinkle 1 cup of crumbled queso fresco generously over the nachos.
  10. Return the pan to the oven for 5-7 minutes until queso fresco softens and chips get extra crispy.
  11. Remove from oven and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Add optional garnishes as desired.
  12. Serve immediately while chips are crisp and chicken is juicy.

Notes

Use sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Thin slicing chicken and veggies ensures even cooking. Add chips and queso fresco after initial roasting to keep chips crispy. Watch chips closely during final bake to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute queso fresco with crumbled tofu or vegan cheese. Leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken fajita nachos, sheet pan nachos, queso fresco nachos, quick dinner, easy recipe, sheet pan chicken, fajita seasoning

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-sheet-pan-chicken-fajita-nachos-recipe-easy-30-minute-queso-fresco/