My Favorite Recipe....?

If I was asked what my favorite recipe or food was, I'm pretty sure I would have a difficult time answering that question. I would probably give more than 50 answers to that question, not being able to narrow it down. To me, cooking is about the experience it brings to the people you are sharing your food with. Whether you are cooking alone, cooking with friends or cooking with family, it is all about bringing joy to others and making people feel good.
One recipe I have always enjoy making is Roasted Chicken Nachos with Green Chili-Cheese Sauce. I have made this numerous times and it has never failed me. It happens to be one of my favorite recipes not only because it is so delicious, but also because of the wonderful memories that have been shared with family and friends throughout the years.

Roasted Chicken Nachos with Green Chili-Cheese Sauce

4 medium tomatillos, husked and rinsed
2 jalapenos, stemmed
1/2 medium onion, peeled and quartered
2 garlic clove, peeled
1 handful fresh cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon toasted cumin seeds
Kosher salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock, at room temperature
4 cups shredded Jack cheese
1 (1-pound) bag salted corn tortilla chips
1 (3-pound) whole roasted chicken, meat finely shredded, skin and bones discarded

Quick Pico de Gallo
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2 green onions, white and green parts, chopped
1 jalapeno, chopped
2 handfuls fresh cilantro leaves, hand shredded
2 limes, juiced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sour cream and guacamole, for serving

Bring a pot of water to a boil; add the tomatillos, jalapenos, onion, and garlic. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatillos are soft. Drain and cool slightly, then put them in a blender. Add the cilantro, lime juice, and cumin. Puree for a few seconds to blend, and then pour in about a 1/4 cup of water and process to a coarse puree; taste and season with a generous pinch of salt. You should have about 2 cups of this salsa verde.
Make a roux by melting the butter over medium-low heat in a thick-bottomed saucepan. Just as the foam subsides, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk to prevent lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the starchy taste from the flour; don't allow it to brown. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and simmer for 8 minutes to thicken. Once you have a good base, fold in 2 cups of the shredded Jack cheese; mix until completely melted into a sauce. Stir in the prepared salsa verde until incorporated; remove the green chili cheese sauce from the heat.
Make a quick salsa by combining the cherry tomatoes, onions, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl; season with salt and pepper, tossing to combine.
To build these awesome nachos: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Get a very large oven-proof platter and cover it with a few handfuls of tortilla chips, follow with a portion of the shredded chicken, a coating of the cheese sauce, and a nice sprinkle of the remaining shredded jack. Make 3 or 4 layers of the nachos, depending on the size of the platter. Bake the nachos until they are all hot and gooey, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Spoon the tomato salsa over the top of the nachos and serve with the sour cream on the side.

If you don't want to have nachos, this green chili-cheese sauce is great with steak or chicken tacos or delicious just as a queso.

Enjoy!