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The Best Healthy Nachos Recipe for Game Day

A close up view of a wooden platter of layered dip appetizers topped with jalapenos ready for a Super Bowl party.

There’s nothing more exciting for a sports fan than game day. You’ve already figured out where you’ll be watching the game, you’ve sent out the invitations, and you know who’s coming. The only thing missing is food. What could be better than the perfect crispy, cheesy, and delicious nachos—the king of game day foods? There aren’t many people who don’t like nachos. What’s not to like, anyway? The perfect mix of textures and flavors makes your taste buds scream for more, and there would be nothing wrong with that if nachos are a healthy snack. I hate to break it to you—they’re usually not! But, I’ve got a solution for you. I’m giving you the best nachos recipe that is healthy and delicious so you can indulge with gusto!

Best Nachos Recipes

Chicken nachos, beef nachos, veggie nachos—there are so many variations to the recipe, and they all taste good. It is up to you what healthy twists you want to try to make your nachos special.

How To Make The Best Nachos Ever – Delish

Nachos are the perfect choice for a game day for many reasons, but the main advantage is that almost all of the recipes require a minimum amount of time and dirty dishes. You serve them right on that same plate they were baked on!

All of the recipes have a couple of core ingredients—your favorite chips and cheese. If you’re vegan, this can mean using a vegan cheese substitute.

Without further ado, let’s cook up the best nachos recipes you’ve ever tasted.

Chicken Nachos Recipe

While I can’t call these nachos totally healthy, I can say that they’re an undeniably healthier version. They are packed with veggies and protein, so you are getting some good nutrients along with your cheese and chips.

One of the best nacho recipe is chicken Nachos. Baked in casserole with cheese, beans, corn, hot jalapeno, chicken, red pepper and mushrooms serving on wood table.
Baked Chicken Nachos That You Can Top With Any Leftovers In Your Pantry (Image Source: Shutterstock)

These baked chicken nachos are as versatile as it gets, so feel free to mix up your ingredients with any leftovers in your pantry. You know the saying: When in doubt, put it on chips. 

What you’ll need:

  • Ground chicken, seasoned however you prefer
  • Peppers: you can use any pepper for this recipe, and if you’re a fan of spicier food, you can add a jalapeno or any other chili pepper.
  • Onions: There’s no nachos without onions!
  • Beans: Any beans will do. Wash them and strain them, and you’re good to go.
  • Cheese: Have you ever heard of a no-cheese nacho? Me neither!
  • Corn: If you don’t have fresh, use frozen. Both are healthier options than canned corn.
  • Chips: The main ingredient. Try finding baked ones with less fat.

Instructions:

This is a beginner level recipe, meaning you don’t have to be a chef to make this a success.

First, you’ll want to prepare the meat. Add a little olive oil to your pan and fry your ground chicken. When it’s nice and brown, add your favorite seasoning and a little bit of water and simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes. Set aside to cool a bit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Now layer the nachos. You begin with chips. Spread a layer of chips on your baking dish and add half of the cooked meat, followed by veggies, beans, and cheese. 

Now repeat! Chips, meat, veggies, beans, and cheese.

Bake the nachos in the oven heated to 400℉ for about 10 minutes. When they’re sizzling, put them under the broiler for a couple more minutes, and you’re done.

Serving this nachos recipe is the best part. For toppings, you can do anything and everything you love. Here are some of the healthier options you might like:

  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Slices of avocado or a guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Lime juice

Best Ways to Make Your Nachos Recipe Even Healthier

Did you know you can make healthier chips at home? Make your chips by thinly slicing sweet potatoes, drizzling them with olive oil, and baking them in the oven. 

With this recipe, the possibilities are endless. For example, if you’re bored with chicken, beef works perfectly as the main protein, as well. You could also use cauliflower in your veggie mix or add more bell peppers to the recipe. The choice is yours.

Be moderate when choosing toppings, and use plain yogurt for a low-calorie option.

Healthier Chicken Nachos

Here is another variation on tasty chicken nachos that uses taco seasoning to spice up the flavor profile.

Nacho chips topped with sour cream, ground meat, jalapenos, tomatoes, beans and melted cheese on a wooden paddle board.
Serve With Your Toppings Such As Greek Yogurt, Lime Juice, Avocado, Or Guacamole (Image Source: Shutterstock)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb. ground chicken
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 packet taco seasoning 
  • 6 servings tortilla chips 
  • 1 large red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, diced
  • 1 can beans (black or pinto), drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup sweet corn
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (or more)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Heat olive oil over medium heat and in a skillet and saute your meat until cooked. Add water and seasoning and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 400ºF and line your baking sheet with a baking paper.

Add half of the chips and sprinkle on 1/2 of the toppings in the following order: meat, veggies, beans, and cheese. Then repeat the process, starting with another layer of chips.

Bake at 400ºF for 10 minutes or until the cheese fully melts. Then broil for 1–2 minutes.

Serve with your toppings such as Greek yogurt, lime juice, avocado, or guacamole.