Chicken Nachos
This Chicken Nachos delivers 39g protein and 727 calories per serving — a loaded appetizer that breaks the mold of typical low-protein dips and starters. Quick-preps 8 servings on the stovetop, making it a shareable batch option for lifters who want protein-forward food that doesn't read like diet food. Prep this for meal prep rotation when you need high-protein variety that maintains adherence through repetition.
Ingredients
- •Taco Seasoning, Packet (E.G. Old El Paso)(15g)
Taco seasoning packet — Old El Paso or McCormick. Low sodium if available.
- •Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(454g)
Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.
- •Vegetable oil(15g)
- •Tortilla Chips, Corn, Plain(425g)
- •Mexican Blend Cheese(720g)
- •JalapeñO Pepper
- •Green Onion (Scallion)
- •Cilantro, Fresh(120g)
- •Avocado
- •Lime
- •Sour Cream(120g)
Regular or fat-free both work. Fat-free is thinner but saves ~40 cal/serving.
- •Cheese, Queso Fresco, Crumbled(30g)
Instructions
- 1Add a rack to the center of your oven and preheat it to 400°F. Pound the chicken breast an inch thick with a heavy skillet. Sprinkle liberally on both sides with taco seasoning.
- 2Add cooking oil to a heavy-bottomed skillet set over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breast for 5 minutes, then flip it and cook for a few minutes more, or until a thermometer reads 165°F.
- 3Slice the jalapeño and two green onions. Chop the cilantro. Dice the avocado and drizzle lime juice over it to keep it from browning.
- 4When your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it from the pan and let it rest for five minutes. Chop it into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 5Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Add half a bag of corn chips to the pan. Top with half of the shredded cheese and half of the chopped chicken.
- 6Repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, cheese, and chicken. Bake at 400°F until the cheese melts, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- 7Sprinkle the nachos with the avocado, jalapeño, green onion, lime zest, and chopped cilantro. Finish with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.
Nutrition — Per Serving
727
calories
39g
protein
45g
fat
- Carbohydrates
- 40g
- Saturated fat
- 21.2g
- Sodium
- 909 mg
- Dietary fiber
- 3.3g
8 servings per batch · ~237g each
Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central
AI Swap Engine
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How much protein does Chicken Nachos have per serving?
Each serving delivers 39g of protein and 727 calories with a macro breakdown of 45g fat and 40g carbs. This higher-calorie version provides more total volume while maintaining strong protein content.
How long does it take to prep Chicken Nachos?
This recipe has quick prep time and batch-produces 8 servings on the stovetop, so you can prepare a full week's worth of appetizer portions in one session. The extended yield makes this efficient for meal prep.
Is Chicken Nachos good for muscle gain?
At 39g protein and 727 calories per serving, this version of Chicken Nachos fits muscle gain meal plans requiring calorie surpluses with 40g of carbs for training energy. The higher fat content (45g) supports hormone production during a growth phase.
