Let’s talk about one of the most satisfying dishes on the planet: BBQ Chicken Nachos. Picture this: crispy, golden tortilla chips loaded with tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and all the delicious toppings you could dream of. Each bite is a symphony of smoky, sweet, savory goodness that you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re hosting game night, preparing for a casual dinner, or just craving something easy but packed with flavor, these nachos are your answer. Trust me, once you make these, they’re going to be your new go-to for every occasion.
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And the best part? You can totally customize them to your heart’s desire! Want more heat? Add some jalapeños. Love fresh veggies? Throw in some chopped tomatoes and onions. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and it’s way easier to make than you might think. Let’s dive into why you’re going to love these BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Nachos
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re kicking back after a busy day, throwing a party, or snacking with friends, these nachos are here to elevate the vibe. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
Versatile: Perfect for everything from a quick snack to a full meal. You can load them up with your favorite toppings or keep them simple and classic.
Budget-Friendly: All the ingredients are easy to find, and you probably have a lot of them already. A super satisfying dish without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: It’s a simple assembly process that doesn’t take long, even for beginners. Just bake and enjoy!
Customizable: Whether you want a little extra spice, more cheese, or some extra toppings, you can tailor these nachos to your taste. BBQ chicken is the star, but it’s up to you what goes on top!
Crowd-Pleasing: BBQ Chicken Nachos are always a hit with guests. They’re hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Everyone will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Nachos
Here’s the beauty of BBQ Chicken Nachos: they’re made with just a few simple ingredients, but when combined, they become something extraordinary. Let’s break it down:
Tortilla Chips: These are your base. Go for thick, sturdy chips that can hold all the delicious toppings.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped BBQ chicken—tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. You can use leftovers or cook it fresh!
Shredded Cheese: A melty, gooey cheese layer is non-negotiable. Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.
BBQ Sauce: The smoky-sweet element that makes this dish so irresistible. Choose your favorite sauce, whether it’s tangy or spicy.
Jalapeños: If you love a bit of heat, these are a must. They add the perfect kick to balance out the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce.
Green Onions: Fresh, crisp, and slightly tangy—these green onions are the perfect topping for an added bite.
Sour Cream or Guacamole (Optional): For an extra creamy touch to balance the bold flavors, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole is perfection.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these flavorful BBQ Chicken Nachos:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your nachos bake evenly and the cheese gets nice and bubbly.
Prepare Your Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred your chicken. Toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce until well-coated. If you’re using leftover chicken, just heat it up and add the BBQ sauce.
Layer Your Chips: Spread your tortilla chips out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. You want them to be sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without crumbling.
Assemble the Nachos: Layer the BBQ chicken over the chips, followed by a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add jalapeños and green onions on top for extra flavor and texture.
Bake to Perfection: Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and everything is heated through.
Finishing Touches: Once the nachos are out of the oven, you can top them with sour cream, guacamole, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the nachos immediately—hot, cheesy, and ready for a crowd to dive in.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Nachos
These nachos are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more incredible:
Fresh Sides: Pair with a light salad or sliced veggies for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy nachos.
Dips: Offer up some extra dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce to take things to the next level.
Drinks: Serve with an ice-cold drink—beer, soda, or a sparkling lemonade are all great choices for washing down the cheesy goodness.
As a Meal: If you’re serving these as a meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a hearty soup to balance everything out.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can prep the chicken and toppings ahead of time to make the actual assembly faster.
Spice It Up: If you love more heat, add a sprinkle of chili flakes or some hot sauce over the top.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free chips if needed, and opt for a dairy-free cheese substitute if you’re keeping things plant-based.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Double the Batch: BBQ Chicken Nachos are perfect for making in large batches for a crowd. Just be sure to use multiple trays if you need more space!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, and it’s perfect for these nachos.
Q2: Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
A2: It’s best to assemble and bake them fresh, but you can prep all the ingredients in advance and bake them when you’re ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the chips crisp.
Q4: Can I freeze these nachos?
A4: Freezing nachos is tricky because the chips can get soggy. It’s better to freeze the chicken and sauce separately and assemble when you’re ready.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat nachos?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and everything is hot again.
Q6: Can I add more toppings?
A6: Of course! Avocado, fresh tomatoes, olives, or even black beans make great additions to these nachos.
Q7: Can I make these nachos without cheese?
A7: Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
Q8: Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
A8: Absolutely. You can swap the BBQ chicken for black beans, grilled veggies, or even jackfruit for a BBQ-style “pulled pork” alternative.
Q9: Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?
A9: Definitely! Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch and can be adjusted to your flavor preferences.
Q10: Can I use different chips?
A10: Yes! Tortilla chips are traditional, but you could also use pita chips or even sweet potato chips for a unique twist.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Nachos are the ultimate comfort food—loaded with flavor, super customizable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear once you serve them. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fun snack, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So grab your chips, load them up, and get ready for the perfect cheesy, saucy, smoky bite! Enjoy!
Print
BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Nachos are piled high with smoky barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like cilantro, red onion, and optional jalapenos. A perfect snack or meal!
Ingredients
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1 large bag (18 ounces) white corn tortilla chips
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1 pound cooked, shredded chicken
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1 bottle (18 ounces) barbecue sauce
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
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2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup finely diced red onion
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2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
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1 Roma tomato, chopped (optional)
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Pickled jalapenos slices (optional)
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Ranch dressing or sour cream (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat Oven:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange tortilla chips in a single layer. Set aside.
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Prepare Chicken:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and barbecue sauce to your desired taste. Mix well.
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Assemble Nachos:
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Evenly distribute the seasoned BBQ chicken over the tortilla chips. Then sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken. Top with diced red onion.
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Bake:
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Bake for 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Remove from oven and top with cilantro, tomato, pickled jalapenos, or any desired toppings. Serve warm with ranch dressing or sour cream on the side, if preferred. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg