Spicy Loaded Grilled Nachos
Tortilla chips layered with cheese, spiced chicken (or beef/beans), jalapenos, and veggies, grilled until melty and smoky, then finished with fresh toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Perfect for game night, BBQs, or casual dinners.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients
Base Nachos:
1 large bag (12 oz / 340 g) tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1–2 jalapenos, sliced
½ red onion, finely diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cooked spicy protein
Spice Mix (for chicken/beef/beans):
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Toppings:
½ cup salsa or pico de gallo
½ cup guacamole or diced avocado
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Instructions
Prepare protein:
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken/beef/beans with spice mix. Cook until browned and flavorful. Set aside.
Preheat grill:
Heat to medium-high. If using oven, preheat to 200°C (400°F).
Assemble nachos:
On a large grill-safe pan or cast-iron skillet, spread half the tortilla chips.
Layer with half the cheese, cooked protein, jalapeños, onion, and bell pepper.
Repeat with remaining chips and toppings. Finish with cheese on top.
Grill:
Place pan on grill (lid closed) for 8–10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and smoky.
If baking: 10–12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Load with toppings:
Remove from grill. Add salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Serve immediately while gooey and hot!
Notes & Tips
Prevent soggy chips: Use thicker tortilla chips and serve hot right off the grill.
Make it extra spicy: Add pickled jalapenos, hot sauce drizzle, or diced fresh chili.
Cheese hack: Blend cheeses (cheddar + Monterey Jack) for best melt and flavor.
Crowd version: Make nachos in layers so every chip gets toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — use black beans, refried beans, or grilled veggies instead of meat.
Q: Can I prep ahead?
Yes — cook protein and prep toppings in advance. Assemble and grill just before serving.
Q: Can I use oven broiler instead of grill?
Definitely — broil for 3–5 minutes for a quick melty finish.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 19g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fat: 23g
Fiber: 5g