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The heart of any delicious recipe lies in its ingredients, and this Cheesy Chicken Nacho Bake is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavor-packed dish:

Cheesy Chicken Nacho Bake

Cozy up with friends and family and savor the comforting taste of a homemade Cheesy Chicken Nacho Bake. This easy-to-make dish combines layers of crunchy tortilla chips, shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings, creating the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for game day or a relaxed movie night, this nacho bake promises to elevate any gathering. Check out this recipe for a delightful experience that’s sure to create lasting memories.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)

4 cups medium-thick tortilla chips

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (use canned or frozen, and thaw if frozen)

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 small jalapeño, sliced (optional, for an extra kick)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot based on your taste)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

Avocado slices (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it's ready for baking as you prepare the nachos.

    Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, finely diced red onion, sliced jalapeño (if you want added heat), garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.

      Assemble the Nachos: In a large baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), lay half of the tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. Spoon half of the prepared chicken mixture over the chips, followed by half of the salsa, and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top.

        Layer Again: Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortilla chips. Top with the rest of the chicken mixture, the remaining salsa, and finish with the last of the shredded cheeses to create a beautiful, cheesy top layer.

          Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.

            Garnish and Serve: Once baked, allow the nachos to cool for about 5 minutes in the dish. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy hot, alongside generous dollops of sour cream and fresh avocado slices.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, use a large serving platter to spread out the nacho bake and top with extra avocado slices and cilantro. You can also serve the sour cream in a small bowl on the side for easy dipping.