I've noticed that over the past few years that more and more friends have redefined their diets in an attempt to live healthier lives. While that's a big "yay!" it can make it interesting to entertain and feed everyone things that fit into their food lifestyle. Vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy intolerant, Paleo, Whole 30 or just "health conscious"... there's always something to consider when preparing dishes for friends.
It can be tricky when your goal is to serve something that the masses will enjoy all while "keeping it clean." Luckily, I'm always up for the challenge!
Many of you will be throwing or attending Super Bowl parties this weekend and you may be finalizing your menus and grocery lists and finding yourself in the same food-prep predicament. Before you write "tortilla chips" on that little piece of paper, consider this: Chip-less nachos.
Or, as I like to call them, "NOTchos." Because they're NOT what you're used to. They're better {for you}!
Who doesn't love a platter piled high with crispy tortilla chips, gooey cheese and all those hearty toppings while they're watching some football? {My husband, that's who. Not a fan of nachos. But we already knew he was weird -- the man hates chocolate.}
The problem is, when you serve up a mountain of naughty nachos to friends who are trying to keep things healthy, not only will you get the stink-eye, but you'll also end up eating most of them on your own. Not good.
These "not-chos" are the perfect solution! A game day favorite, healthied up by using crisp, fresh peppers as the vehicle for all the stuff you want to shove in your face. So smart, right?!
Topped with shredded chicken, black beans and all kinds of good stuff, you won't even think about the fact that you're not eating traditional nachos. I swapped out the sour cream for thick, Greek yogurt and used just a tiny sprinkle of cheese for decadence. The black olives and pickled jalapenos give these a briny zing to keep it interesting.
These are totally customizable and can be made to fit in to any specific diet preference. Leave out the yogurt and cheese for non-dairy eaters. Sub out the chicken for shredded lettuce or chunky salsa for veg-heads. The rest is totally up to you! There's no wrong way to pile on the goodness.
Your game day will be guiltless, and your friends? They may never leave. Serve with caution. 😉
Loaded Chicken "NOTchos"
Ingredients
- 2-3 red peppers sliced in half, seeded and diced
- Shredded chicken
- Black beans
- Mexican shredded cheese blend
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Pickled jalapenos
- Sliced black olives
Instructions
- Cut red pepper halves in quarters to form 8 little pepper cups. Place on a foil-lined baking pan.
- Top pepper pieces with a mound of shredded chicken and a scoop of black beans. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Place in the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted. {Keep an eye on them, I tend to forget when things are under the broiler!}
- Remove from oven and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, pickled jalapenos and black olives.
- Enjoy without guilt!