Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. This high temperature ensures the cheese melts quickly without overbaking the chips. Meanwhile, prep a baking sheet or skillet by spreading out the tortilla chips in an even layer.
For a homemade touch, sauté diced onion and minced jalapeño in olive oil over medium heat. Once fragrant and softened, add garlic and cook for another minute or two. Stir in the canned tomatoes, cilantro, cumin, coriander, and chili powder. Simmer the mixture uncovered for 8–10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
While your salsa cooks, heat the refried beans in a microwave-safe dish. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces and warm it in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and makes layering smoother.
Begin by adding dollops of warm refried beans over the tortilla chips. Next, layer the prepared salsa, shredded chicken, and both cheeses evenly over the top. Be generous with the cheese so it melts beautifully and binds everything together.
Transfer your nacho assembly into the preheated oven. Bake for around 6–8 minutes, keeping an eye on the cheese as it melts. Once bubbly and golden, remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro and diced onions as garnish.
Nachos are best served immediately to preserve their crunchiness! Offer lime wedges, guacamole, or sour cream on the side for dipping and topping. Trust me, these personal touches go a long way in elevating the experience.