Appetizers, Main, Mexican, Party Food

Party Time: Nacho Bar Style

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With football season upon us, I thought it would be fun to have a Nacho Bar party. My son LOVED it!

For the protein, I used ground chicken, but you could easily use ground beef or turkey if you choose. The queso – or cheese sauce – comes together in a mere 5 minutes. Just keep it warm while you get everything else ready.

To help with your cooking coordination this is how I did it: I prepped the toppings first, including my salsa fresca and black beans. I will link the recipes below. I also prepped my shredded lettuce, chopped veggies, etc. Then about thirty minutes before dinner time, I cooked the meat. Finally, I made the cheese sauce. Then I warmed the chips and assembled the nachos. So, that’s a solid game plan for you.

Here is my salsa recipe.

Here is my black bean recipe.

I served the toppings in a buffet style so that everyone could make the nachos to their own liking.

Have fun and add your own twist to Nacho Night!

Chicken Nachos
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Chicken Nachos

Recipe by Susan LeiserCourse: Main, Appetizers, Party FoodCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces favorite tortilla chips

  • For the chicken

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/2 onion, chopped

  • 1 lb. ground chicken

  • 1 tsp. chili powder

  • 1 tsp cumin

  • 1/4 tsp. salt

  • 1/8 tsp. fresh black pepper

  • Splash of hot sauce (if desired)

  • For the queso

  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

  • 2 Tbsp. flour

  • 2 cups milk (I use 2 percent)

  • 2 cups cheddar jack or favorite shredded cheese

  • 1/4 tsp. salt

  • 1.8 tsp black pepper

  • Splash of hot sauce (if desired)

  • To serve

  • Salsa Fresca

  • Black Beans

  • Sliced Jalapenos

  • Chopped scallions

  • Shredded lettuce

  • Olives

  • Sour Cream

Directions

  • For the chicken
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes, until onion softens.
  • Add chicken. Brown and break up with a spoon.
  • Season with chili powder, salt, pepper and hot sauce if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Set aside covered until ready to use.
  • For the queso
  • In a medium pan over medium heat, melt butter. Once bubbling, whisk in flour. Cook for two minutes until a blonde color.
  • Stir in milk. Stirring with a whisk, bring to a gentle boil.
  • Add cheese and turn off heat. Stir in cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper and hot sauce if using. Set aside covered until ready to use
  • To assemble the nachos
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • On a parchment lined baking sheet, spread out nacho chips in one layer. Place in oven for 4 minutes. Rotate pan. Bake for another 4 minutes. Remove from oven.
  • Top warmed nacho chips with queso sauce, setting some sauce aside for serving. Top queso sauce with chicken. You may add your other toppings or place toppings in serving bowls for a nacho bar.

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