Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos from Moe's feature tender grilled chicken, melted cheddar cheese, fresh jalapenos, and creamy queso atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips, delivering a savory, spicy, and crunchy flavor explosion.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
- Sauce pan (for queso)
- Ladle (for queso)
- Baking sheet or tray
- Oven or broiler (optional for melting cheese)
- Serving platter or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz (340g) tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños
- 1 cup queso dip (prepared or homemade)
Ensure the chicken breast is boneless and skinless for even grilling and easy shredding. Fresh jalapenos provide the perfect balance of heat and crispness, so choose firm, vibrant peppers for the best flavor. Using shredded cheddar cheese instead of slices allows for quicker, more even melting over the chips. For the queso dip, homemade versions can be tailored to your taste, but prepared queso offers convenience without sacrificing creaminess. Your Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos from Moe's copycat menu will capture the authentic combination of tender grilled chicken, melted cheddar cheese, fresh jalapenos, and creamy queso on crispy tortilla chips, delivering a savory and spicy snack experience.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Mix olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Coat chicken breasts with the seasoning mixture.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice grilled chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Slice fresh jalapeños into rings.
- Spread tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet or tray.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chips.
- Distribute the grilled chicken evenly over the cheese-covered chips.
- Scatter sliced jalapeños over the nachos.
- Place the tray in a preheated oven or under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted (optional).
- Heat the queso dip in a saucepan until warm and smooth.
- Drizzle warm queso over the nachos using a ladle.
- Transfer nachos to a serving platter or plate if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos from Moe's copycat menu combine grilled chicken, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and queso for a flavorful snack. If you don't have a grill, cooking the chicken in a skillet over medium heat works well and still delivers tender results. Substitute fresh jalapenos with pickled jalapenos or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to adjust spiciness. Use pre-shredded cheese to save time, but freshly shredded cheddar melts better for that gooey texture. Your crispy tortilla chips should be layered strategically to ensure every bite has a balance of protein, cheese, and heat.
Tips
Ensure the chicken is properly rested after grilling; this allows the juices to redistribute, making your grilled chicken juicy and tender. Slice the jalapenos thinly to balance heat and flavor without overpowering your whole lotta chicken nachos. When melting the cheese under a broiler or in the oven, keep a close eye on it to prevent burning while achieving the perfect melt. Your warm queso dip should be smooth and fluid for easy drizzling, enhancing the overall texture and taste of your nachos.
Nutritions
Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos from Moe's provide a balanced combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, with the grilled chicken breast offering a lean and substantial source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The cheddar cheese and queso add calcium and saturated fats, contributing to bone health and satiety, while the tortilla chips supply carbohydrates for energy. Fresh jalapenos introduce dietary fiber and vitamin C, supporting digestion and immune function. Your meal's nutritional profile supports both flavor and the nutritional needs of a satisfying, protein-rich snack or casual meal.
Storage
Store any leftover Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Separate the tortilla chips from the chicken and cheese if possible to prevent sogginess, then reheat the chicken and cheese mixture in the oven or microwave before serving. Your nachos will retain their best texture and flavor when reheated gently and consumed within 2-3 days.
Variation or Alternatives
To vary the Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos, substitute grilled chicken breast with seasoned ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. Swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican blend or pepper jack to add additional layers of flavor and creaminess. Replace fresh jalapenos with pickled jalapenos or diced serrano peppers to intensify the heat according to your preference. For a different queso texture, incorporate diced tomatoes and green chilies before warming the dip to enhance the savory profile of your dish.
Allergies
Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos from Moe's contain common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and queso dip, which may cause reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The dish also includes tortilla chips that could contain gluten, depending on the brand used, posing risks for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. If you have food allergies, carefully check ingredient labels or consult with Moe's staff to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Moe's Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos is celebrated for its generous portions of seasoned grilled chicken, layered with melty cheese, fresh jalapenos, and tangy queso sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal. The menu item combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with fresh ingredients, creating a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy textures that cater to diverse taste preferences. Making a copycat version lets You enjoy this crave-worthy dish at home with tailored spice levels and ingredient quality, often resulting in a more affordable and customizable experience. Trying to recreate the Whole Lotta Chicken Nachos also allows food enthusiasts to experiment with fresh toppings and homemade sauces that enhance the authentic taste.