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marinaded chicken nachos with an assortment of toppings

Grilled Southwest Chicken Nachos

Melinda | Missouri Girl
These nachos are made special using a special chicken marinade and spices for a perfect, easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinade Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs chicken (thighs or breast)
  • 1 bag tortilla chips

Desired toppings:

  • salsa
  • avocado
  • tomatoes
  • sour cream

Marinade:

  • 1 cup orange or orange pineapple juice
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon soy sauce (tamari if gluten free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper

Spice Rub:

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions
 

Make the marinaded chicken:

  • Combine all ingredients for the marinade in a large zip lock bag.
  • Add 3 lbs of chicken (thighs or breasts).  
  • Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, but 8-24 hours is preferred.

Make the spice rub:

  • In a small bowl, combine all of the spice rub ingredients.
  • Remove the chicken from the bag and shake off the excess marinade.
  • Sprinkle the spice rub all over the chicken, using as little or as much as you prefer.

Cook the chicken:

  • Grill or pan fry the chicken until an internal temperature of 165 degrees and juices run clear. Shred or dice the chicken.

Assemble, broil, and serve

  • On a heat proof plate, layer the tortilla chips, chicken, cheese, tomatoes, and salsa.
  • Place an oven rack on the highest point in the oven, just under the broiler.
  • Turn the broiler on high.
  • Place the nachos under the broiler until the cheese is nicely melted and starting to brown.
  • Carefully remove from the oven (the plate will be VERY hot)
  • Top with avocado and sour cream.
Keyword best chicken marinade, Grilled chicken, southwest chicken