Tropical Chicken Nachos with Zesty Island Salsa: Your Ultimate Sheet Pan Getaway
Embark on a culinary journey to the Caribbean with these phenomenal Tropical Chicken Nachos. This simple sheet pan recipe, featuring succulent chicken marinated in vibrant island flavors and topped with a refreshing Tropical Salsa, promises to transport your taste buds straight to sun-drenched beaches and gentle ocean breezes. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, designed to be effortlessly delicious and incredibly satisfying.
Friends, prepare yourselves! I haven’t been this enthusiastic to share a new recipe in what feels like an eternity. For nearly two months, I’ve kept these incredible Tropical Chicken Nachos and their accompanying Tropical Salsa a closely guarded secret. The anticipation has been almost unbearable, but the wait is finally over!
Today is the day we unveil this spectacular dish. You’re about to discover how ordinary sheet pan nachos can undergo an extraordinary island transformation, all thanks to a special blend of authentic Caribbean spices and a mouth-watering sauce that captures the true essence of the tropics. Get ready to elevate your nacho game to an entirely new level!
This post is proudly sponsored by Spice Isle Sauces. My passion for their exceptional products and the opinions expressed here are entirely my own, born from a genuine love for their authentic flavors.
Please note: Some of the items mentioned below contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program participant and an affiliate for other brands, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links. Rest assured, I only promote products and brands that I genuinely adore and believe you will find equally delightful. For a comprehensive overview of my entire disclosure policy, please CLICK HERE.
The Irresistible Allure of Nachos for Any Occasion
When it comes to my top choices for tailgating events, casual gatherings, or just satisfying a serious snack craving, nachos consistently reign supreme. And honestly, what’s not to love about a platter of perfectly crisp tortilla chips generously smothered in gooey, melted cheese? Add some perfectly spiced meat, and if you’re anything like me, a vibrant medley of fresh peppers and a zesty salsa, and you have a masterpiece!
So, when Steve and Heidi, the visionary founders of Spice Isle Sauces, approached me with the exciting challenge of developing a tailgate-worthy recipe using their products, my imagination immediately began to race. A flurry of ideas flooded my mind, but ultimately, I kept circling back to the timeless perfection of nachos. It just felt right.
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Because let’s face it, when tailgating season arrives – especially here in Nebraska, where football is practically a religion, and across the entire country – nachos are always a winning play. We take our game day snacks incredibly seriously, and basic nachos simply won’t cut it. My goal was to create a nacho recipe that would truly impress, a dish that would knock your socks off with its incredible flavor profile.
This isn’t just a recipe you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch, cheering on your favorite team. It’s also designed for versatility, easily adaptable for preparation right on your tailgate grill outside the stadium. These Tropical Chicken Nachos? Oh, my friends, they are anything but basic. They are a flavor explosion, a delightful escape, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Unleashing Island Flavors: The Secret to These Nachos
At the heart of this extraordinary nacho recipe are two star products from Spice Isle Sauces: their Tropical Seasoning Rub and the Tropical Tamarind Sauce. The depth and complexity of flavors packed into these products are truly unreal. I can honestly say I’ve never tasted anything quite like them. When combined, they create such an authentic taste of the islands that you can almost hear the gentle rustle of palm trees and feel the warm ocean breezes, even right here in the midst of Nebraska’s cornfields. These sauces are the key to transforming a simple plate of nachos into an exotic culinary adventure.
Discovering Spice Isle Sauces: A Journey from the Caribbean to Your Kitchen
You might be wondering about the fascinating story behind Spice Isle Sauces and how Steve and Heidi Nolan, residents of Lincoln, Nebraska, came to create and market such authentic Caribbean sauces and rubs. Their journey is one of passion, travel, and a dream brought to life.
Much like my husband and I, Steve and Heidi share a profound love for travel, frequently exploring the breathtaking islands of the Caribbean. Their absolute favorite destination, and one that remains high on my personal bucket list, is the stunning Providenciales in Turks and Caicos. This idyllic island captured their hearts and ignited a dream.
On November 1, 2013, their dream materialized when Steve and Heidi opened their very own island business: Crackpot Kitchen Restaurant, situated on the beautiful island of Providenciales. This was truly a dream come true, allowing them to share their love for Caribbean cuisine with locals and tourists alike.
The success of their restaurant led to another exciting venture. In November 2014, they began bottling and selling their first specialty sauce, the now-famous Crackpot Kitchen Tropical Tamarind BBQ Sauce. It quickly became a sensation at the restaurant, adored by both island residents and visitors. Demand grew so rapidly that they struggled to keep up with orders from local grocery stores and gift shops, making production on the island increasingly challenging.
Recognizing the immense potential and demand for their unique flavors, Steve and Heidi began collaborating with a company just outside Memphis, Tennessee, in January 2015, to produce their sauces in the United States. While the original island-produced sauce has since been retired, this strategic move allowed them to significantly expand their product line, bringing a wider array of exquisite Caribbean flavors to kitchens across America.
What Flavors Do Spice Isle Sauces and Seasoning Rubs Offer?
Spice Isle Sauces offers a curated collection of authentic Caribbean flavors, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every palate. Their exceptional range includes:
- Tropical Seasoning Rub & Tropical Tamarind Sauce: A vibrant and versatile combination perfect for adding a sweet and tangy Caribbean zest to your dishes.
- Tropical Jerk Seasoning Rub & Tropical Jerk Sauce: For those who crave the classic, spicy, and aromatic flavors of traditional Jamaican jerk.
- Tropical Heat Seasoning Rub & Tropical Heat Sauce: Designed to bring a fiery kick and intense tropical warmth to your culinary creations.
For these exquisite Tropical Chicken Nachos and the accompanying Tropical Salsa, I specifically utilized the aromatic Tropical Seasoning Rub and the delightfully tangy Tropical Tamarind Sauce to achieve that perfect island balance.
Crafting Your Tropical Chicken: Marinade Magic
Our culinary adventure begins with preparing the chicken, the star of our Tropical Nachos. We’ll start by generously coating the chicken breasts with the exquisite Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning Rub. This rub is packed with complex flavors that will immediately infuse the chicken with an authentic island aroma. Following the rub, the chicken will be immersed in a vibrant marinade consisting of high-quality olive oil, fresh cilantro, and the bright, zesty juice and zest of fresh limes. This crucial marinating step allows the flavors to truly penetrate the chicken, ensuring every bite is bursting with tropical goodness.
For the marinade, you’ll want to carefully zest and then juice two small limes. Their bright, citrusy notes are essential for balancing the richness of the chicken and the spices. Combine this fresh lime zest and juice with the olive oil and finely chopped cilantro. These three simple yet powerful tools – a reliable citrus zester, versatile herb scissors for effortlessly chopping fresh herbs, and an efficient citrus juicer – are among my most frequently used kitchen gadgets. They make prep work a breeze and ensure maximum flavor extraction.
Once your chicken breasts are thoroughly rinsed and patted dry, generously rub the exquisite Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning Rub onto both sides. Ensure an even coating to maximize flavor. Then, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. This bag will serve as the perfect vessel for our marinade, allowing the chicken to soak up all the delicious tropical essences.
Now, pour your freshly prepared lime, cilantro, and olive oil mixture over the seasoned chicken in the ziplock bag. Seal the bag securely, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. Gently massage the bag to evenly distribute the marinade around the chicken. Place the bag in the refrigerator for at least three hours. This marinating time is crucial; it allows all those beautiful tropical flavors to meld and fully tenderize the chicken, creating an unparalleled taste experience.
Whipping Up the Vibrant Tropical Salsa
While your chicken is marinating and absorbing those incredible island flavors, it’s the perfect time to prepare the vibrant and fresh Tropical Salsa. This salsa isn’t just a topping; it’s a key component that brings a burst of freshness, sweetness, and a hint of spice to balance the rich nachos. Begin by meticulously chopping and dicing all the colorful ingredients for your Tropical Salsa. Think bright pineapple, juicy mango, sweet strawberries, crisp watermelon, and a kick of jalapeño—each element contributes to a symphony of flavors and textures.
Once all your fruits, herbs, and peppers are perfectly diced, combine them gently in a mixing bowl. Stir everything together until well incorporated, allowing the natural juices to mingle. After mixing, cover the salsa and place it in the refrigerator. Chilling the salsa for at least 30 minutes, or even longer, allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, making it even more refreshing when served. This prep-ahead step is perfect for entertaining!
For an extra touch of tropical flair that will truly impress your guests, consider transforming a fresh pineapple into a serving bowl for your salsa. Simply cut a pineapple in half lengthwise and carefully hollow out the fruit, making sure to leave enough of the rind intact to form a sturdy bowl. This not only looks incredibly appealing but also enhances the overall island presentation of your dish. It’s a simple step that elevates the entire experience, making your Tropical Chicken Nachos even more memorable.
Grilling to Perfection: The Chicken Takes Center Stage
Once your chicken has soaked up all those incredible flavors from the marinade, it’s time to bring it to life on the grill. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding any leftover liquid. Place them on a preheated grill, aiming for a temperature of around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grill the chicken for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For precision and peace of mind, I absolutely love my new Thermapen Mk4 Meat Thermometer; it provides an accurate reading almost instantly, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
I personally enjoy a slight char on the outside of my grilled chicken; it adds another layer of delicious flavor and texture. Once the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful grilled finish, remove it from the heat. Now comes the satisfying part: shredding the chicken. Use two forks to easily pull the chicken apart into tender, flavorful strands. Immediately after shredding, toss the chicken with the delightful Spice Isle Tropical Tamarind Sauce. This step ensures every piece of chicken is coated in that sweet and tangy goodness, preparing it perfectly to be the star ingredient in our incredible nachos!
Take the perfectly cooked and shredded chicken and generously toss it with the rich and tangy Spice Isle Tropical Tamarind Sauce. This sauce is a game-changer, coating each strand of chicken with a glossy, flavorful layer that is both sweet and subtly tart, with notes of fruit and spice. This is where the magic truly happens, ensuring your chicken is packed with an unforgettable tropical punch.
Assembling Your Island-Inspired Nachos
Now for the grand assembly! Grab a large sheet pan and line it with good quality parchment paper – this makes cleanup incredibly easy. Arrange your corn tortilla chips in an even layer over the parchment. If you’re planning to use that adorable pineapple half as a serving bowl for your salsa right in the center of your nachos, remember to leave a small, convenient space in the middle of your chips. Next, generously top the chips with your delicious, sauced tropical chicken and a liberal amount of both Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheeses. These cheeses will melt into a gooey, savory blanket over your island feast.
Bake the nachos in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling. Alternatively, for that authentic tailgate experience, you can place the sheet pan directly on a heated grill until the cheese reaches its golden, melty perfection. Once removed, garnish your stunning Tropical Chicken Nachos with fresh cilantro and vibrant jalapeño slices, if desired, for an extra burst of color and flavor. And finally, serve them immediately with your charming pineapple bowl brimming with that refreshing Tropical Salsa right in the center. Get ready to indulge!
Just look at that glorious, cheesy goodness! These nachos are truly a sight to behold, a vibrant tableau of tropical flavors and textures. With these incredible Tropical Chicken Nachos on your menu, you are absolutely guaranteed to win an award for the best tailgating grub – or simply be declared the hero of any gathering! They are not just a snack; they are a festive, flavorful centerpiece.
Dive Deeper into the Tropical Flavors: Tamarind & Beyond
Let’s talk more about the magical flavors found in the Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning Rub and the Tropical Tamarind Sauce that make these nachos so exceptional. These products deliver a delightful burst of tropical fruit notes. You’ll distinctly taste the sweet and bright hints of cherry and orange, perfectly complemented by the unique tang of Tamarind. It’s a harmonious blend that creates a truly unforgettable profile.
But what exactly is Tamarind? Tamarind is a fascinating fruit, characterized by its distinctive sweet and sour taste. While not native to the United States, it flourishes in Africa, India, Pakistan, and extensively across the myriad islands of the Caribbean. Beyond its culinary appeal, Tamarind has been revered for centuries for its numerous medicinal properties and has played a significant role in traditional medicine practices worldwide. In the kitchen, this versatile fruit is widely utilized in an array of dishes, from enriching sauces and marinades to invigorating drinks, chutneys, and even delectable desserts. Fun fact: it’s also a key ingredient that contributes to the complex flavor of Worcestershire sauce!
The Tropical Tamarind Sauce itself is incredibly versatile. It’s not just for chicken nachos; it’s absolutely delicious on any and all meats, whether you’re grilling chicken, searing beef, slow-cooking pork, or preparing delicate seafood. Try stirring it into your favorite little smokies for an instant flavor upgrade or using it as a unique topping on a classic meatloaf. It also makes for a fantastic dipping sauce for spring rolls, chicken tenders, or even vegetable sticks! And for a truly unexpected treat, try sprinkling the Tropical Seasoning Rub over freshly popped popcorn. The savory, sweet, and tangy notes create an addictive snack that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Connect with Spice Isle Sauces & Seasonings Online
To stay updated on their latest products, recipes, and where to find them, be sure to follow Spice Isle Sauces and Seasonings across their social media channels. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Don’t forget to visit their official website for even more delicious recipe ideas and culinary inspiration that will bring the authentic taste of the Caribbean into your home.
Steve and Heidi are dedicated to sharing their passion for authentic island flavors. They spend many weekends traveling to vibrant festivals and exciting shows throughout the United States, promoting their exceptional product line and introducing countless food lovers to a true “Taste of the Islands.” Keep an eye out – you might just catch them at an event near you and experience their fantastic products firsthand!
Where Can I Get My Hands on Spice Isle Seasoning & Sauces?
Ready to infuse your cooking with these incredible Caribbean flavors? Getting your hands on Spice Isle Seasoning & Sauces is simple! You can conveniently order their full range of products directly from the official Spice Isle Website. Additionally, for our friends in Nebraska and beyond, their fantastic products are also available for purchase on the Buy Nebraska Website. Don’t miss out on these authentic island tastes!
I don’t know about you, but all this talk about delicious Tropical Chicken Nachos has me absolutely starving! Let’s not delay any longer; it’s time to get to the full recipe and start cooking up this island-inspired feast! 
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Print Recipe
Tropical Chicken Nachos
Equipment
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Manual Juicer Citrus / Lemon Squeezer
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Herb Scissors
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Citrus Zester
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Spice Isle Sauces LLC
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Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts about 1 pound
- 2 small limes zested and juiced
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning & Rub
For the Tropical Salsa
- 1 cup pineapple diced
- 1 kiwi peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup strawberries diced
- 1 cup mango diced
- 1 cup watermelon diced
- 1 Tablespoon jalapeño chopped fine (more if you like more heat)
- 1 Tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 small lime zested and juiced
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning & Rub
For the Nachos
- Corn Tortilla Chips
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
- 4 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Spice Isle Tropical Tamarind Sauce
- Jalapeño and Cilantro for serving if desired
- Fresh Pineapple “Bowl” for serving if desired
Instructions
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To Prepare the Chicken: Rinse chicken breasts thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Generously coat all sides of the chicken with the Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning & Rub. Place the seasoned chicken in a gallon-sized ziplock bag. Add the remaining marinade ingredients (lime zest, lime juice, cilantro, and olive oil) to the bag. Seal it shut, removing as much air as possible, and gently massage to ensure the chicken is well-coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate.
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To Prepare the Tropical Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine all the diced fruits (pineapple, kiwi, strawberries, mango, watermelon), finely chopped jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, and Spice Isle Tropical Seasoning & Rub. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. If you wish to create a stunning “pineapple bowl” for serving your salsa, lay a fresh pineapple on its side and carefully cut it into two halves from the bottom, through the leaves, using a sharp knife. Make small cuts into the fruit part and around the inner edge, being careful not to cut all the way through the rind. Use a spoon to scoop out the fruit. Depending on the size of your pineapple, your entire batch of salsa may or may not fit inside. Refrigerate the salsa until ready to serve.
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Preparation of the Chicken Continued: Once the chicken has marinated for at least 3 hours, remove it from the bag, discarding the marinade. Preheat your grill to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for approximately 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, as verified by a meat thermometer. Remove from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before shredding. Once shredded, combine the tender chicken with the rich Spice Isle Tropical Tamarind Gourmet Sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
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Preparing the Sheet Pan Nachos: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with a good quality parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup. Spread the corn tortilla chips in a single layer over the parchment. If you plan to place your pineapple salsa bowl in the center of the nachos, leave a small, circular space without chips. Evenly top the chips with the sauced tropical chicken and both shredded Monterey Jack and Mild Cheddar cheeses. Bake for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. For an outdoor cooking experience, place the sheet pan directly on a preheated 425-degree grill until the cheese melts. Top with fresh cilantro and optional jalapeño slices for an added kick.
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Serve your irresistible Tropical Chicken Nachos immediately with the vibrant Tropical Salsa. Get ready to enjoy an authentic taste of the Islands, right in your own home!
Notes
These nachos are also perfectly suited for grill preparation! Simply arrange the nachos on a sheet pan as directed, then place the pan on a 425-degree F grill. Remove once the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling.
For ultimate convenience, all components of this recipe can be prepped ahead of time. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, game days, or even when you’re preparing for away tailgates – simply cook and assemble on location!