Personal Pan of Macro-Friendly Nachos with Honey Cilantro Chicken
Oh my gosh these were too good to be true. A giant DELICIOUS pan of crispy generously topped nachos all to myself for 575 calories. IM IN.
Oh my gosh these were too good to be true. A giant DELICIOUS pan of crispy generously topped nachos all to myself for 575 calories. IM IN.
- 2 tbs honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 cup salsa verde
- â½ tsp paprika
- 1-1.5 josephs lavash (i used 1.5... i was hungry.
- 1 oz (28 g) lite three cheese mexican blend (i like tr
- 2 tbs (30 g) trader joes jarred queso (or any queso or no queso! but tj's has no fat.)
- 2 tsp (10 g) cotija cheese
- 3.5 oz (100 g) shredded honey cilantro instant pot chick
- 1/2-3/4 cup (100 g) fresh quick homemade pico* (o
- 1/2 small avocado (40 g)
- 2 tbs (30 g) homemade cilantro lime ranch* (or bolth or just some light sour cream if you like things more classic.)
- 2 tbs (30 g) diced fresh mango
- plenty of extra cilantro!
- â½ a large white onion diced (i used 170 g)
- 1 tbs liquid smoke
- 5 tsp kosher salt
- 2-3 pounds thawed or fresh chicken breasts or ten
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup light mayo (i used best foods only 1 gram fat per
- 1 cup fat free milk (fairlife has lowest carbs)
- â¼ cup salsa verde
- 1 jalapeno seeded
- 1 whole lime juiced (about 2 tbs)
- â½ cup packed cilantro
- Carbohydrate 27.2739800392078 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.50329500987958 g
- Fiber 2.44944997623628 g
- Protein 2.712764999824 g
- Saturated Fat 0.15487549995744 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (416g)
- Sodium 7690.22200462882 mg
- Sugar 24.8245300629716 g
- Trans Fat 3.69345801001654 g
- Calories 169 calories
Step-by-step
- Mix together everything but the chicken.
- Combine sauce and chicken in instant pot. Close and set to manual for 12 minutes. I let the steam release for a while and open it… not that careful about when and it’s always fine!
- Shred, toss in juices, and stir in ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro.
- OR cook in slow cooker until tender about 6-7 hours.
- Chop your lavash into chip-sized triangles and lay out on a foil lined baking sheet, or pizza pan like I did. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt and if you want to get fancy, I added some Trader Joes Chile Lime seasoning to my second batch and loved it.
- Bake at 400 for 4-6 minutes. I had a batch get SUPER dark at 7 minutes and thought they were burnt but they were great! So don’t get too scared if they’re really brown. Super crispy. You can eat them right away or bag them for later.
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Place in fridge for an hour if you have time. No big deal if not. Dressing came to about 2 carbs and less than 1 fat for 2 tbs or 30 grams.
- Lay out chips in a single layer in 9x13 or sheet pan. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, drizzled queso, and cotija. Top with chicken and bake at 400 just until melty… about 5 minutes.
- Pull out and top with pico, avocado, mango, cilantro, and a drizzle of cilantro lime ranch.
My Personal Pan of Nachos Adventure: A Deliciously Guilt-Free Treat
As a busy working mom, finding time for myself, let alone cooking a healthy and satisfying meal, can feel like a monumental task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school pick-ups, and endless to-do lists. But even amidst the chaos, I crave moments of simple pleasure, and for me, that often means indulging in a delicious, albeit sometimes unhealthy, meal. Nachos, with their cheesy goodness and satisfying crunch, have always held a special place in my heart. However, the calorie count often leaves me feeling guilty afterwards. That's why I was so excited to discover this recipe for macro-friendly nachos. It's the perfect balance of indulgence and healthy eating; a guilt-free treat I can enjoy without derailing my healthy lifestyle goals.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I love that I can customize it to my liking. Sometimes I add a little extra spice, sometimes I go for a milder flavor profile. The chicken is incredibly versatile; you can easily swap it out for other lean proteins like shrimp or tofu, or even leave it out altogether for a vegetarian option. The homemade cilantro lime ranch is a game-changer – it adds a fresh, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese and the spiciness of the nachos. The crispy lavash chips are a healthier alternative to traditional tortilla chips, and they hold up beautifully under all those delicious toppings.
Beyond the sheer deliciousness, this recipe has become a source of comfort and self-care for me. The process of making it, from prepping the ingredients to layering the toppings, is a mindful experience. It's a way to disconnect from the stresses of the day and focus on something enjoyable. It's also a chance to experiment in the kitchen and get creative. The best part? I get to savor this delicious creation all to myself – a small act of self-indulgence in a busy life.
Ingredients That Make a Difference:
The ingredient list might seem long, but it's really just a collection of pantry staples and fresh produce. I've found that using high-quality ingredients elevates the dish's flavor and nutritional value. For example, opting for a leaner chicken breast reduces the overall calorie and fat content, while using fresh cilantro and mango adds a vibrant burst of freshness. The homemade pico de gallo is quick to make and far surpasses store-bought versions in both flavor and freshness. Plus, knowing exactly what ingredients go into my homemade dressings and sauces gives me peace of mind.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe works because it balances flavor, texture, and nutrition. The crispy lavash chips provide the perfect crunch, while the shredded cheese, queso, and cotija offer a creamy, cheesy richness. The honey-cilantro chicken adds a touch of sweetness and savory depth, and the pico de gallo, avocado, and mango contribute fresh, vibrant flavors that cut through the richness of the cheese. The key to its success is in the attention to detail—from the careful preparation of the chicken to the thoughtful layering of the toppings, each step contributes to the overall deliciousness of the dish.
Making it Your Own:
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or chives. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more chili powder or jalapeño. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add other toppings, such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers. The possibilities are endless!
More Than Just a Meal:
This personal pan of nachos is more than just a delicious and healthy meal; it's a reminder to take time for myself, to nourish my body and soul, and to savor the simple pleasures in life. In our fast-paced world, it’s crucial to carve out moments for self-care, and for me, this recipe is a perfect example of how to do so while indulging in a delicious and satisfying treat.
