Chipotle Game Day Chickpea Nachos

For anyone seeking a flavorful twist on classic nachos, my vegetarian Sheet Pan Buffalo Chickpea Nachos are a must-try! Made with spicy buffalo-coated chickpeas as a hearty alternative to meat, combined with crunchy tortilla chips, a variety of colorful toppings, and of course----melty gooey golden cheese! Perfect for sharing on game days, as a snack, or even a satisfying dinner or lunch option! Gluten-free + Vegan option.

Hands up if you love nachos! There's something so special about making nachos at home. They're a satisfying snack, appetizer, or even a meal, especially on game night. The beauty of nachos lies in their versatility – you can customize them to your heart's content since all toppings are optional + interchangeable.

That's why I have a plethora of nacho or nacho-inspired recipes on my site. Among them, my other favorites include Loaded Sheet Pan Dairy-Free Nacho Cheese Fries, Dairy-Free Mexican Street Corn Nachos, Black Bean + Quinoa Skillet Nachos, and Loaded Vegan Queso Skillet Nachos. They're all worth a try!

Perhaps my favorite part of homemade vegetarian nachos is using a sheet pan to make Sheet Pan Buffalo Chickpea Nachos--- my current favorite recipe. All ingredients are easily layered on a rimmed sheet pan before baking to warm the ingredients and melt the cheese. It is the most simple recipe ever, and the flavors are explosive and complex. Sheet pan nachos are great for any home cook - beginner or advanced. Plus, I recommend trying this Chipotle Chicken Sheet Pan Quesadilla recipe next!

Why You Will LOVE Chipotle Chickpea Nachos

• They're a flavor explosion-- Spicy, sweet, savory, and downright addictive!
• Totally customizable---use only your favorite toppings and ingredients.
• Crowd-pleasing--perfect for gatherings and easy dinner nights.
• Textural bliss, the perfect balance of tender and crunchy in each bite.
• Simple preparation + minimal ingredients
• Totally vegetarian, meatless + protein-packed!
• Vegan + gluten-free options for those with a sensitivity.

How To Make Chipotle Chickpea Nachos

While the protein, chips, and cheese are the bulk of what makes nachos so spectacular, the toppings are often overlooked. Toppings on nachos are essential for freshness and additional crunch. To me, the crunch of the chips is not enough. I also want some crisp, fresh veggies to cut through all of the cheesy richness. Here is everything you need for these meatless nachos:

Ingredients

NACHOS:

• Restaurant-style tortilla chips. I use Xochitl, Ensure that it's GF-friendly for option!
• Organic diced tomatoes. Slightly drained to avoid soggy nachos.
• Red onion. Adds a slightly sweet element.
• Jalapeños. For a little spiciness, omit if you don't like spice.
• Sweet corn kernels. Fresh or frozen works perfectly!
• Mozzarella cheese. I like to buy it in a block and shred it myself.
• Mild or Sharp cheddar cheese. This adds another level of umami flavor to the cheesy goodness.
• Guacamole or sliced Avocados. You can either make your guac, buy it pre-made for convenience or just slice some up.
• Fresh cilantro. Omit if you aren't a cilantro lover.
• Green onions. Aka scallions, chopped.
• Creamy Chipotle Sauce. See my recipe below for how to make your own chipotle sauce!

SAUTEED CHICKPEAS:

• Canned chickpeas. Drained + rinsed.
• Extra virgin olive oil. Feel free to use your favorite high-quality EVOO. My fave tried and trusted brand is California Olive Ranch.
• Herbs + spices. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried oregano, cumin + dried thyme.
• Pinch of sea salt + black pepper

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THESE NACHOS DISH!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this vegetarian Chipotle Chickpea Nachos. Everything from my fave sheet pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

How To Make Dairy-Free Creamy Chipotle Sauce/Dressing

To top your delicious nachos and add a bit of heat here is what you will need to make a dairy-free chipotle sauce/dressing:

• Vegan mayonnaise. Use any kind you like.
• Chipotle peppers. I like to use canned chile chipotle peppers. You can also use 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder if you have that on hand instead!
• Garlic. A strong and pungent flavor that adds depth!
• Lemon or lime juice. Freshly squeezed! You can use whichever juice you'd prefer.
• Adobo sauce. I like the extra spicy flavor. You can substitute with Tabasco sauce, chili garlic sauce, or ancho chile paste.
• Almond milk. Helps to make the sauce creamier. You can use your fave plant-based milk.
• Herbs + seasonings. You'll need salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, parsley, cilantro, and red pepper flakes.

Voila! The perfect simple ingredient Creamy Chipotle Sauce! With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick whisking session, you can create a rich and luscious dressing that's perfect for nachos, tacos, salads, sandwiches, and much more.

OTHER SAUCES + DRESSINGS I LOVE ON NACHOS

• Vegan Ranch Dressing
• Spicy Restaurant Style Salsa
• Jalapeno Ranch Sauce
• Vegan Jalapeños Queso
• Creamy Avocado Pesto Mayo Sauce
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing

Game Day Nacho Topping Ideas

Everyone is different when it comes to toppings in general, which is why I love using a variety of ingredients.

PLUS this is a great opportunity to teach children about what they like, how much to add, and helps to develop their palate—which is what I try to do with my son. Plus, maybe they’ll try something new on their own—who knows?!

My favorite nacho topping ideas in general include:

• Sliced or diced avocados
• Pinto beans
• Vegan Jalapeños Queso Dip 
• Yogurt/Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Herb roasted tomatoes
• Lime wedges
• Spicy Salsa
• Candied bacon or shredded chicken (if meatless isn't required)
• Shredded jackfruit
• Caramelized onions or fresh onion slices

Chickpea Health Benefits

When it comes to the health benefits of Chickpeas, here are a few awesome reasons why you should probably add this simple ingredient to your diet more often:

• Packed with nutrients + have a moderate amount of calories!
• Rich in plant-based proteins!
• Support blood sugar control.
• Full of fiber + might aid digestion.
• May protect against Chronic Diseases (such as heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, etc.)
• May help keep your appetite under control (Think about how protein + fiber helps to slow down digestion, therefore keeping you full longer!).

Can I Make These Chipotle Chickpea Nachos Vegan?

Absolutely! Everything besides the cheese is vegan-friendly for this vegetarian nachos recipe. (Ensure your tortilla chips are vegan too) You can opt for a vegan shredded cheese alternative. Honestly, all brands aren't created equal as you know. Personally, I love how Violife's, Follow Your Heart and Daiya cheese shreds melt fully and become smooth and creamy as I need it to be. Alternatively, follow my Loaded Vegan Queso Skillet Nachos recipe to learn how to make your own 'cheesy' vegan queso from scratch!

Chipotle Game Day Chickpea Nachos Q + A's

More Droolworthy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

If you liked Chipotle Game Day Chickpea Nachos, then you’ll definitely want to try these delicious Mexican-inspired recipes with your family next:

• Summer Vegan Tacos
• Spicy Sofritas Quinoa Tacos
• Vegan Queso Skillet Nachos
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos [Dairy-Free]
• Loaded BBQ Quinoa Taco Fries
• Black Bean + Quinoa Skillet Nachos
• Meatless Buffalo Ranch Kettle Chip Nachos

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Chipotle Game Day Chickpea Nachos recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram  and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Chipotle Game Day Chickpea Nachos

August 3, 2021 •

By Shanika

5 from 2 votes

For anyone seeking a flavorful twist on classic nachos, my Sheet Pan Buffalo Chickpea Nachos are a must-try! Made with spicy buffalo-coated chickpeas as a hearty alternative to meat, combined with crunchy tortilla chips, a variety of colorful toppings, and of course----melty gooey golden cheese! Perfect for sharing on game days, as a snack, or even a satisfying dinner or lunch option! Gluten-free + Vegan option.

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Serves: 6 Servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

NACHOS:

• 1 (12 oz.) bag organic Restaurant-style tortilla chips (I use Xochitl; Ensure that it's GF-friendly for option!)
• 1 (28 oz.) can organic diced tomatoes, slightly drained
• ½ red onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 2 cups sweet corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, organic
• 1 cup shredded Milld or Sharp cheddar cheese
• Guacamole or sliced Avocados
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Green onions (aka scallions), chopped

SAUTEED CHICKPEAS:

• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas, drained + rinsed
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• pinch of sea salt + black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

SAUCE:

• 1 cup dairy-free Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce

Instructions

TO SAUTE THE CHICKPEAS:

• In medium skillet (10-inch) over medium-high heat, add the olive oil until heated. Add the chickpeas, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and thyme, stirring until combined. Continue to stir as chickpeas become charred and crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

TO MAKE THE CHIPOTLE SAUCE:

• See my dairy-free Creamy Chipotle Dressing/Sauce recipe for steps!

ASSEMBLE THE NACHOS:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prep a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
• Add the tortilla chips onto a baking sheet, spreading them out evenly, followed by: the diced tomatoes, corn, onions, sautéed chickpeas, cheeses, and sliced jalapeños.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes or until veggies (corn, etc. ) are tender and the cheese has fully melted. Remove from oven.
• To serve, top nachos with your favorite extra toppings like Guacamole, fresh cilantro, chopped scallions, and drizzles of chipotle sauce.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Best if consumed within the same day. Leftovers can be stored in an air-tight container (chipotle sauce stored separately) for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven when ready serve.
• SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
• GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these Nachos gluten-free, simply substitute tortilla chips with GF-friendly ones and ensure that all other ingredients are also GF-friendly (i.e. vegan mayo, chickpeas, etc.).

 

Nutrition

Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 237mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 431IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 1mg

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