Let’s talk about our past lives according to nachos, though. Anyone grow up eating them? Like, at least once a week? 🙋🏻 I definitely did. As a kid, nacho night consisted of *literally* tortilla chips smothered in Velveeta (a topic for another time) and maybe some beans on top. And it was glorious.
Also, we can’t forget about the college nachos phase. Those were the DAYS! Throw some tortilla chips on a plate, top ’em with a load of shredded cheese, microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute and DONE. Lunch is served. 😉 With a soda, and possibly an energy drink ’cause studies.
Yeah, ok, I don’t really miss those days too much.
These 10-Minute Protein Loaded Nachos are incredibly easy to make!
Dare I say, and I hope this doesn’t scare you off, that these 10-Minute Protein Loaded Nachos are essentially a fancy, upgraded form of college nachos. I don’t mean that in the sense of taste, but time! They’re so quick and easy to make.
We’ve got toppings like organic chicken, chickpeas (covered in smoky paprika, of course), lentils, and (best of all) cheese!
How do you make oven protein loaded nachos?
Just throw some tortilla chips (these are my FAVE) on a baking sheet, top with a little organic shredded cheese and your fave protein-loaded toppings, and bake for about 10 minutes!
Once you bake the nachos in the oven, be sure to drizzle this delicious 3 Ingredient Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing over them! It’s sooooooo good, y’all. Enjoy!
Here’s the recipe for these 10-Minute Protein Loaded Nachos:
10-Minute Protein Loaded Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 2 Tbsp Avocado Lime Dressing
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 4 servings gluten-free tortilla chips
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1/3 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook or bake the chicken breast until it is fully cooked.
- Cook the lentils according to directions.
- While the chicken and lentils are cooking, make the Avocado Lime Dressing recipe by blending avocado, lime, and yogurt.
- Slice the grape tomatoes into halves.
- Combine the chickpeas and paprika.
- Place the tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
- Top the tortilla chips with shredded chicken, lentils, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, and corn
- Top everything with shredded cheese and bake for about 10 minutes.
- Drizzle the Avocado Lime Dressing over the nachos.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Veena Azmanov says:
Wow.. Lentils, avocado, chickpeas, corn.. my kind of food. I love such simple easy and nutritious stuff you can put together quickly. My kids will love this
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Veena! Enjoy!
Noel Lizotte says:
I’ve had loaded nachos on the menu for two weeks now … but can’t fix em because my husband eats all the chips before I can put together the sheet pans. sigh. I have to go back to the store for more chips. I think this time, I’m buying a decoy bag.
Christine McMichael replied:
Hahaha oh no!! Sounds like my husband. Yes, that’s a perfect plan, lol!
Nadja | Nashi Food says:
I would never think to add lentils or chickpeas to nachos! These look so good, perfect for a reunion with friends.
Christine McMichael replied:
So perfect! Enjoy! 🙂
Jodi @ Create Kids Club says:
The perfect meal. I could live on nachos if I allowed myself 😉 These look so delicious!
Christine McMichael replied:
Ah me too, Jodi! So good!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says:
Hmmm, I love nachos!!! If we weren’t preparing for tropical storm conditions from Hurricane Irma, I’d head to the store and buy the stuff to make these! That avocado lime dressing sounds like a fabulous topping!
Christine McMichael replied:
Oh no, I hope you’re safe, Joanna! 🙁 Keep us posted!
Maria says:
I made something super similar this week! Love protein nachos 🙂
Christine McMichael replied:
Oh really? That’s so awesome! Love it!
Sarah says:
Loaded nachos are a favorite in our house, these look delicious! I love the addition of chickpeas too!
Christine McMichael replied:
That’s awesome, Sarah!
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says:
Ok…so we LOVE LOVE LOVE nachos!!! I mean we eat them ALL the time, and in ALL kinds of ways. These sound delicious….love the fact you used chickpeas and lentils….who would have thought? And why haven’t I thought of doing this. FANTASTIC.
Christine McMichael replied:
We do too, so good! Thanks, Gloria 😉 I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says:
That avocado lime dressing sounds amazing. These nachos look great. They’d be a perfect snack for a family movie night!
Christine McMichael replied:
Thanks, Marlynn! So perfect!
shobee says:
Just my kind of meal. Love your pictures.
Christine McMichael replied:
Perfect! Enjoy!
Laura says:
lol I remember eating nachos at the snack bar during adult swim at the pool in the summer! My last pregnancy I craved a hot pretzel dipped in canned nacho cheese SO bad that o caved and ate one. One was enough but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it!
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha YES! Love it.
Rachel says:
My husband loves football (me notsomuch) and since Sunday is game day, looks like I know what I’ll be making. (I do the eating, he does the watching. Lol!)
Christine McMichael replied:
Haha that’s awesome. That’s so perfect!
Jessica @ Small Bites by Jessica says:
So genius to add lentils to nachos! Why had I never thought of that before!?
Christine McMichael replied:
It’s sooooo good! 🙂
Deryn | Running on Real Food says:
Well it’s Friday, and now I need nachos for dinner. I’m not gonna put chicken on mine but the rest of it sounds amazing….I’ll do extra chickpeas instead, can’t go wrong there! 😉 These look so good, thanks!
Christine McMichael replied:
That’s a great idea! Love chickpeas 🙂
Heather says:
I have a serious addiction to nachos! Ever since college, they have been my Kryptonite and now that I’m pregnant, it’s even worse! I’ll have to give these a try 🙂
Christine McMichael replied:
AH me too! Haha love it. Enjoy!