Yard House Chicken Nachos Copycat Recipe: Easy Steps to Restaurant-Quality Nachos

There’s nothing quite like a plate of loaded nachos to bring friends together. I remember the first time I tried Yard House’s Chicken Nachos—they were a game changer. The perfect blend of crispy chips, tender chicken, and melty cheese with just the right amount of kick.

Determined to recreate that mouthwatering experience at home, I experimented with different ingredients until I nailed the perfect balance. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving a tasty treat, this copycat recipe delivers all the flavors you love without leaving the house.

Ingredients

To recreate Yard House’s delicious Chicken Nachos at home, gather the following ingredients.

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tortilla Chips

• 12 ounces thick-cut tortilla chips

Cheese Blend

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Toppings

• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup sliced jalapeños
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup diced red onions
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup sliced black olives

Garnishes

• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup guacamole
• ½ cup salsa
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Tools and Equipment

To master this Yard House Chicken Nachos copycat recipe, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what I use in my kitchen to ensure everything comes together perfectly:

• Large Baking Sheet

• Ideal for spreading tortilla chips evenly and accommodating all the delicious toppings.

• Grill or Grill Pan

• Perfect for cooking the chicken to achieve that smoky, charred flavor reminiscent of the original dish.

• Mixing Bowls

• Essential for prepping ingredients like slicing vegetables and mixing toppings.

• Sharp Chef’s Knife

• Makes chopping tomatoes, onions, and other toppings quick and efficient.

• Cutting Board

• Provides a stable surface for all your chopping and slicing needs.

• Measuring Cups and Spoons

• Ensures precise measurements for ingredients, guaranteeing consistent results every time.

• Spatula and Tongs

• Useful for arranging toppings and handling the nachos without breaking the chips.

• Microwave or Small Saucepan

• Needed for heating the cheese blend to achieve that gooey, melty texture.
• Perfect for presenting your nachos attractively, making them irresistible to your guests.

Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process and help you recreate the beloved Yard House Chicken Nachos with ease and confidence.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing components of the Yard House Chicken Nachos ahead of time ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, especially during busy gatherings. Here’s how I efficiently make-ahead each part of the dish:

1. Cook and Shred the Chicken

• Grill the Chicken: Season 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Grill over medium heat until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side.
• Shred and Store: Allow the chicken to cool, then shred using two forks. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

2. Prepare the Toppings

• Chop Vegetables: Dice red onions and tomatoes. Slice jalapeños and slice black olives. Rinse and drain black beans and corn. Store each topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cheese Blend: Mix equal parts cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Grate the blend ahead and store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week.

3. Assemble Components

• Partial Assembly: Spread thick-cut tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Evenly distribute shredded chicken and sprinkle the cheese blend over the chips. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

4. Prepare Garnishes

• Sauces and Sides: Prepare guacamole or portion out sour cream and salsa in advance. Store in the refrigerator in sealed containers.
• Cilantro and Lime: Chop fresh cilantro and slice lime wedges ahead of time. Keep them separate to maintain freshness until serving.

5. Reheating and Final Assembly

• Bake the Nachos: When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If partially assembled, bake the nachos for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Add Fresh Toppings: Once baked, add fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, black olives, black beans, and corn. Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and lime wedges just before serving.

Storage Table

By following these make-ahead steps, you’ll have all the components ready to create delicious Yard House Chicken Nachos with minimal effort when it’s time to serve.

Directions

Recreating Yard House Chicken Nachos at home is easier than you might think. Follow these steps to build a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

1. Grill the Chicken

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

1. Shred the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Assemble the Nachos

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.

1. Layer the Chips

• Spread a generous layer of thick-cut tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet.

1. Add the Chicken and Beans

• Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the chips.
• Sprinkle ½ cup of black beans over the chicken for added texture and protein.

1. Sprinkle the Cheese

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, and microwave for an additional 30 seconds until melted.
• Pour the melted cheese evenly over the chicken and beans.

Bake the Nachos

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Bake the Nachos

• Place the assembled baking sheet in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Add Toppings

1. Prepare Fresh Toppings

• While the nachos are baking, chop ½ red onion, dice 1 tomato, and slice ¼ cup of black olives and 2 jalapeños.

1. Garnish the Nachos

• Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately top with the chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and jalapeños.
• Add ½ cup of corn kernels and ¼ cup of black olives for extra flavor and color.

1. Finish with Creamy Toppings

• Dollop sour cream and guacamole over the nachos.
• Spoon salsa on top for an extra kick.
• Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over the entire dish to enhance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Elevating your Yard House Chicken Nachos is all about the perfect pairings and presentation. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and enjoy this delicious dish:

Perfect Beverage Pairings

Choosing the right drink can enhance the flavors of your nachos:

• Craft Beers
• Crisp lager
• Hoppy IPA
• Refreshing Margaritas
• Classic lime
• Mango-infused
• Non-Alcoholic Options
• Iced tea
• Sparkling water with lime

Ideal Accompaniments

Complement your nachos with these tasty sides:

• Fresh Salsa and Chips
• Extra salsa for dipping
• Additional tortilla chips for sharing
• Creamy Guacamole
• Adds a rich, buttery texture
• Light Side Salad
• Crisp lettuce
• Tangy vinaigrette

Presentation Tips

Make your nachos look as good as they taste:

• Layering
• Evenly distribute toppings for a visually appealing dish
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Sprinkle cilantro or green onions for a burst of color
• Serve on a Large Platter
• Allows everyone easy access to their favorite toppings

Customization Ideas

Tailor the nachos to your taste with these variations:

• Add Protein
• Pulled pork
• Beef strips
• Spice it Up
• Extra jalapeños
• A drizzle of hot sauce
• Cheese Varieties
• Pepper jack
• Queso fresco

Creative Presentation Ideas

Enhance the dining experience with creative serving methods:

• Individual Portions
• Use small cast-iron skillets or ramekins for personal nacho servings
• Interactive Nacho Bar
• Set up a toppings station where guests can customize their own nachos
• Themed Platters
• Incorporate festive decorations for parties or special occasions

By incorporating these serving suggestions, you can transform your Yard House Chicken Nachos into a memorable and delightful meal for any gathering.

Conclusion

Bringing Yard House Chicken Nachos into my kitchen has been a rewarding adventure. Seeing everyone enjoy the layers of flavor makes all the effort worthwhile. I love how simple ingredients can come together to create something so satisfying. Give this recipe a try and make your next gathering a delicious hit. Happy nacho making!