Spicy Cheesy Blackened Chicken Nachos (Print version)

Smoky blackened chicken, pepper jack, corn, jalapenos, and crisp tortilla chips baked into a bold sheet pan nacho recipe.

# Ingredients:

For the blackened chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon Cajun or blackening seasoning
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes, plus more to taste
07 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the nachos

10 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
11 - 3 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
12 - 1 cup (165 g) drained corn kernels
13 - 2 jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced or diced
14 - 10 oz (285 g) sturdy corn tortilla chips
15 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded pepper jack cheese
16 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) salsa, drained if watery

For serving

18 - 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
19 - 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or fresh basil
20 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
21 - Extra sliced jalapenos, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Move an oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler and set the broiler to high. Line a large sheet pan with foil or parchment.
02 - In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, chile flakes, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until well coated.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in one even layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring only after the pieces brown, until the chicken reaches 165 F in the center.
04 - Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add onion, tomatoes, corn, and jalapenos to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion softens and most tomato liquid reduces.
05 - Spread tortilla chips over the sheet pan. Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over the chips, then add salsa, pepper jack, and cheddar.
06 - Broil for 2-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Top with sour cream, cilantro or basil, lime wedges, and extra jalapenos. Serve immediately.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after broiling while the chips are crisp.
02 - Cook the chicken topping ahead and assemble with fresh chips just before serving.
03 - Use thick restaurant-style chips for the best texture.