Description
Healthy Chicken Nachos on Mini Bell Peppers offer a colorful, low-carb alternative to traditional nachos. Featuring vibrant mini bell peppers as crunchy bases, topped with spiced chicken, melty cheddar cheese, and fresh garnishes, this snack is protein-packed, flavorful, and perfect for entertaining or a wholesome bite any time.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Fresh Ingredients
- Mini Bell Peppers (a mix of red, yellow, and orange) – about 12 halves
- Fresh Cilantro – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Jalapeños – 1 small, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Protein & Dairy
- Cooked Chicken Breast – 1 cup, shredded or diced
- Cheddar Cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – 3 tablespoons for topping
Pantry & Spices
- Black Beans (optional) – ½ cup, drained and rinsed
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Ground Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Chili Powder – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Mini Bell Peppers: Wash the mini bell peppers thoroughly, slice them in half lengthwise, and remove any seeds. These serve as your crisp, colorful nacho bases that replace traditional chips.
- Cook and Season the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced or shredded chicken breast and season with cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Layer the Toppings: Arrange the mini bell pepper halves on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken over the peppers, add black beans if using, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Melt: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled peppers for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers soften slightly.
- Add Fresh Garnishes: Remove from the oven and top with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to complement the bold flavors.
Notes
- Choose firm, vibrant mini bell peppers for maximum crunch and sweetness.
- Do not overstuff the peppers to avoid sogginess and for easy handling.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly and seasoned well for best flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese to balance the spices and enhance richness.
- Pre-cook chicken and prep toppings ahead to streamline assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mini bell pepper nachos
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: healthy chicken nachos, mini bell peppers, low carb snack, baked nachos, protein-packed appetizer, gluten free, easy snack