Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something truly magical about campfire cooking—that mix of smoky air, flickering flames, and laughter echoing through the woods. I’ve always believed that food just tastes better outdoors, and one of my all-time favorite recipes to make around the fire is Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe.
These nachos are the perfect blend of bold enchilada flavor, melty cheese, tender grilled chicken, and a satisfying crunch that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness, grilling in your backyard, or hosting a game-day cookout, this Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything — from ingredients and step-by-step preparation to tips, variations, and how to serve them like a pro. By the end, you’ll be ready to whip up the best Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe your family and friends have ever tasted.
Do you want more recipes?
Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff with Egg Noodles Recipe
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe
Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe (2025)
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe
You don’t need fancy ingredients — just a few fresh items and some pantry staples.
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Nachos:
- 1 large bag of sturdy tortilla chips
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (red or green, your choice)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
For Serving:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges
Equipment You’ll Need
Campfire or grill cooking doesn’t require much — here’s what helps:
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-duty foil pan
- Grilling tongs
- Aluminum foil (to cover while cooking)
- Cutting board and knife
- Heat-resistant gloves
How to Prepare Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe
Let’s break down this Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe into simple, easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the marinade.
- Let them rest for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour in the cooler if camping).
Pro Tip: The lime not only adds zesty flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill or campfire grate to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
You’ll immediately smell that smoky-spicy aroma that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Layer the Nachos
Now comes the fun part — assembling!
- In your cast iron skillet or foil pan, spread a layer of tortilla chips.
- Drizzle a bit of enchilada sauce over the chips.
- Sprinkle some shredded cheese, black beans, corn, onions, grilled chicken, and jalapeños.
- Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients.
- Finish with a final layer of cheese and a light drizzle of enchilada sauce on top.
Tip: Don’t overload the chips in one layer. Multiple thin layers ensure every bite is flavorful and evenly cooked.
Step 4: Cook Over the Fire
- Cover your skillet or pan with aluminum foil.
- Place it on the campfire grate or grill over medium heat.
- Let it cook for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from heat carefully and let it rest for a minute before serving.
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is molten and the enchilada sauce starts to sizzle slightly around the edges.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Uncover the skillet and top your nachos with diced tomatoes, olives, cilantro, and any other favorites.
Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, and fresh lime wedges on the side.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe
Campfire nachos are meant to be shared and devoured straight from the skillet. Here’s how to serve them up right:
- Place the skillet in the center of your picnic or campfire table.
- Hand out forks or let everyone dig in with their hands for a true outdoor experience.
- Offer toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa in small bowls for customizable bites.
- Pair it with cold drinks — think Mexican beer, sparkling lime water, or margaritas.
These nachos also make an excellent main course for casual gatherings, or a side dish alongside grilled corn and fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe
To make your Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe absolutely perfect, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use sturdy chips: Thin chips will get soggy or break easily. Choose thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips.
- Control the heat: Too high a flame can burn the bottom layer. Cook over medium or indirect heat for even melting.
- Pre-cook your chicken: If camping, grill your chicken ahead of time and store it in a cooler. It’ll save you time at the campsite.
- Foil is your friend: Covering the pan traps heat and melts the cheese faster.
- Customize the spice: Adjust chili powder or jalapeños to your desired heat level.
- Don’t skip the sauce: Enchilada sauce adds moisture and flavor — it’s the key to turning nachos into a real meal!
- Add crunch last: Fresh veggies like tomatoes or onions go on after cooking to stay crisp.
Variations and Customizations
The beauty of this Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe lies in how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few creative variations you’ll love:
1. Vegetarian Campfire Nachos
Skip the chicken and load up on black beans, roasted peppers, mushrooms, or grilled zucchini. You can even use plant-based enchilada sauce for a vegan version.
2. Beef Enchilada Nachos
Swap grilled chicken for seasoned ground beef or shredded barbacoa for a heartier twist.
3. BBQ Chicken Nachos
Instead of enchilada sauce, use smoky BBQ sauce for a Southern-inspired version.
4. Breakfast Campfire Nachos
Add scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese for a breakfast spin that’ll wake everyone up with a smile.
5. Spicy Chipotle Nachos
Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for an extra smoky and spicy punch.
6. Dutch Oven Nachos
If you have a Dutch oven, this Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe works beautifully inside it. The heavy lid traps heat, giving you perfectly melted cheese.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you’re prepping for a camping trip, you can make your life easier with a bit of planning:
- Pre-cook and slice the chicken at home. Store in an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Pre-chop veggies like onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, then keep them in separate containers.
- Measure out your spices and bring them in a small jar or baggie.
- Store enchilada sauce in a leak-proof bottle.
- Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in foil and reheated over the fire the next day.
Storage Tip: Keep perishable ingredients in a cooler with plenty of ice packs.
FAQs
1. Can I make this Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe in the oven instead of over a campfire?
Absolutely! Just assemble your nachos in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. What kind of enchilada sauce should I use?
You can use either red or green enchilada sauce, depending on your flavor preference. Red is slightly smoky and tomato-based, while green (made from tomatillos) has a tangy kick.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and works great for quick prep, especially when camping.
4. How do I prevent soggy nachos?
Use thick tortilla chips and light layers of sauce — too much liquid will make the chips soft. Also, serve immediately once cooked.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream to make it completely dairy-free.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftover nachos?
Wrap them in foil and place over a low grill or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving — it can make them soggy.
7. Can I add rice to this recipe?
You can! A layer of Spanish or cilantro-lime rice adds extra heartiness and makes the nachos more filling.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
(Makes 4 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
Note: Nutrition values vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about cooking and sharing food around a campfire—the laughter, the stories, and of course, the incredible food. This Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe perfectly captures that spirit.
It’s smoky, cheesy, spicy, and loaded with flavor—everything you want from a hearty outdoor meal. Whether you’re camping, tailgating, or just craving something different for dinner, this Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe brings the warmth of the campfire right to your plate.
So next time you’re packing for an adventure, don’t forget the skillet, tortilla chips, and enchilada sauce—because once you try these Grilled Chicken Enchilada Campfire Nachos Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.