These cheesy chicken nacho bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the plate in minutes. Crunchy tortilla scoop chips are filled with a creamy, seasoned chicken and cheese mixture, then baked until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. They are easy to assemble, require only a handful of ingredients, and are perfect for parties, movie nights, game days, or a fun family snack.
Because each bite is already portioned in its own chip “cup,” they are ideal for serving on a tray. No one needs a fork or knife, and there is no messy cutting or scooping from a big dish. Just grab a nacho bite, dip if you like, and enjoy.
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 115 g (4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheese, divided (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion or chives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder or mild taco seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked or regular paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For assembling
- 1 large bag tortilla scoop chips (about 40–50 chips)
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
- Finely chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the baking tray
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the tortilla scoop chips in a single layer so they sit upright like little cups. - Make the creamy chicken mixture
In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in half of the shredded cheese.
Add the shredded chicken, garlic, green onion, cilantro (if using), cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined and the chicken is fully coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Fill the chips
Use a small spoon or mini cookie scoop to place a rounded portion of the chicken mixture into each tortilla scoop. Fill them generously, but not so full that the mixture falls out. - Top with cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of each filled chip. A little extra cheese on top helps the filling melt together and gives the bites a golden, bubbly finish. - Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the filling is heated through. - Garnish and serve
Remove the tray from the oven and let the nacho bites cool for a minute or two. Sprinkle with a pinch of chopped cilantro or parsley for color. Serve warm, straight from the tray, or transfer to a serving platter.
Serving ideas
These cheesy chicken nacho bites are delicious on their own, but they become even more exciting with a few simple dips on the side. Try serving them with salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, or a cool ranch-style dip. They pair beautifully with cold drinks and are ideal for sharing at casual gatherings.
For a full snack table, place these bites next to a bowl of tortilla chips, fresh veggie sticks, and a simple salad. Because they are bite-sized, they work well as a starter before tacos, burritos, or fajitas.
Variations
- Spicy version: Add finely diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Bacon twist: Stir in a few tablespoons of crispy cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Veggie upgrade: Add finely chopped red bell pepper, corn, or black beans to stretch the filling and add color.
- Different proteins: Substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ground beef, pulled pork, or even a meatless “chicken-style” product.
Storage and reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chips will soften slightly, but they can be crisped again in the oven. Reheat on a baking tray at 175°C (350°F) for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and lightly crisp.
These cheesy chicken nacho bites are a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe you can keep in your rotation whenever you need a quick appetizer. With crunchy chips, creamy filling, and melted cheese in every bite, they are guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to vanish from your table.