Name: BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Tortilla Chips: 8 ounces Cooked Chicken: 2 cups shredded Barbecue Sauce: 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded Red Onion: 1/2, thinly sliced Black Beans: 1/2 cup, canned, rinsed and drained Corn Kernels: 1/2 cup, fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed Jalapeño: 1, thinly sliced (optional) Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped Sour Cream: 1/4 cup Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon

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Looking for a bold, flavor-packed snack or even a vibrant dinner the whole crew will devour? BBQ Chicken Nachos are the ticket to a crave-worthy meal that comes together ridiculously fast. Picture layers of crunchy tortilla chips, juicy barbecue-smothered chicken, two kinds of melty cheeses, pops of sweet corn and black beans, and bursts of fresh toppings like red onion and cilantro—all finished with a zingy sour cream drizzle. These nachos deliver the perfect mix of smoky, sweet, tangy, and cheesy in every bite, making them an all-time favorite for gatherings, game nights, or just when comfort food calls.

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for BBQ Chicken Nachos is refreshingly straightforward, but every item really earns its spot for flavor, color, and texture. Grab these essentials and let the layers of deliciousness begin!

Tortilla chips: Your nacho base—go for sturdy, restaurant-style chips that hold up under all the toppings.
Cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken makes this a breeze, but any leftover chicken works perfectly here.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade—smoky or sweet, the sauce ties everything together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Classic nacho cheese for that sharp, gooey melt.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy melt and a mild flavor that balances the sharper cheddar.
Red onion, thinly sliced: Lends color, crunch, and a fresh, mildly spicy bite that pops through the richness.
Black beans, rinsed and drained: These make the nachos heartier and add earthy depth to every layer.
Corn kernels: Sweet little pops of flavor; use fresh if you can, but canned or thawed frozen work great, too.
Jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional): For those who like a little kick, sliced jalapeños add gentle heat and sparkle.
Fresh cilantro, chopped: A bright sprinkle of freshness that brings everything to life right before serving.
Sour cream: Mixed with lime juice, it makes the coolest, tangiest drizzle on top.
Lime juice: Just a splash with the sour cream delivers the perfect hit of citrusy zing.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 400°F—this high temp gives your nachos that glorious cheesy melt without overcooking the chips. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up (and to keep those precious cheesy bits from sticking).

Step 2: Toss the Chicken with BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken and barbecue sauce, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated. This step is where the magic begins: the sauce locks in moisture and infuses the chicken with smoky-sweet flavor that’s at the heart of these BBQ Chicken Nachos.

Step 3: Layer the Chips

Arrange your tortilla chips in a single, slightly overlapping layer on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t mind a few random little chips—it all adds to the crunchy texture! Try not to pile them up too much, though, as spreading them out lets every chip get a topping or two.

Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheeses

Spoon the saucy chicken evenly over the chips, being sure to hit as many chips as possible. Next, scatter on a hearty handful of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses—there’s no such thing as too much cheese here!

Step 5: Top with Veggies and Beans

Sprinkle the sliced red onion, black beans, corn, and jalapeño (if using) over the top. These fresh, colorful toppings give the nachos character, extra flavor, and a nice dose of crunch. They also prevent the nachos from feeling too heavy.

Step 6: Bake Until Melty

Pop the whole tray in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on things—the perfect BBQ Chicken Nachos show cheese bubbling, edges just starting to brown, and veggies still bright. You’re looking for maximum gooeyness!

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

While the nachos bake, stir the lime juice into your sour cream for a tangy drizzle. Once the nachos are hot and melty, pull them out and immediately top with chopped cilantro and that zippy sour cream. Serve without delay—these are truly best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Nachos

Garnishes

The finishing touches take BBQ Chicken Nachos from good to spectacular. I love a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for pop and freshness, and a zigzag of lime-sour cream over the top. For even more color and texture, try scattering diced avocado or pickled red onions just before serving.

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Nachos are hearty enough to stand on their own, but they pair brilliantly with side dishes like a crisp slaw, black bean and corn salad, or a bowl of chunky guacamole. Keep your sides bright and refreshing to balance the richness of the nachos.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the nachos straight from the baking sheet in the center of the table, family-style, so everyone can dive in! Or, make individual nacho trays using smaller pans so each person gets their optimal cheese-to-chip ratio. For a fun twist, shape the chips into a ring on a pizza stone and pile toppings in the middle for a “nacho wreath” effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, let BBQ Chicken Nachos cool to room temperature before gently transferring them to an airtight container. Try to keep any garnishes (like cilantro and sour cream) separate for best results—add those when you reheat and serve!

Freezing

While you technically can freeze leftover nachos, I wouldn’t recommend it—the chips lose texture and get a bit soggy when thawed. If you want to prep ahead, freeze just the BBQ chicken portion, then layer up fresh nachos when you’re ready to bake and eat.

Reheating

To revive leftover BBQ Chicken Nachos, spread them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy again (about 8 to 10 minutes). The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is your best friend for keeping chips crunchy and cheese melty.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for BBQ Chicken Nachos?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack bring great melt and flavor, feel free to mix in mozzarella, pepper Jack, or any good melting cheese you love. Just make sure to use enough cheese to get that dreamy, gooey finish.

How can I make BBQ Chicken Nachos vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for more black beans, use pinto beans, or try shredded jackfruit tossed with barbecue sauce as a plant-based alternative. The rest of the toppings are already vegetarian-friendly!

Are BBQ Chicken Nachos gluten free?

Yes—simply double-check that your tortilla chips and barbecue sauce are certified gluten free. This recipe naturally keeps things simple and safe for those avoiding gluten.

What’s the best way to prep BBQ Chicken Nachos for a crowd?

To feed a large group, double or triple the amounts and set up an “assembly line” of ingredients so you can layer up multiple trays. Bake just before serving, and let guests customize their garnishes at the table.

How do you keep nachos from getting soggy?

The key is to use a single layer of chips and avoid letting the saucy chicken or toppings sit too long before baking. Serve the nachos right away and add fresh toppings and drizzles just before eating for the crunchiest results.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Nachos are guaranteed to light up any night, whether you’re snacking with friends, feeding a hungry family, or just treating yourself to something extra special. Give them a try—the combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of irresistible!

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These BBQ Chicken Nachos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for game day or a quick dinner. Loaded with flavorful toppings and gooey melted cheese, they are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Tortilla Chips:

8 ounces

Cooked Chicken:

2 cups shredded

Barbecue Sauce:

1/2 cup

Cheddar Cheese:

1 1/2 cups shredded

Monterey Jack Cheese:

1/2 cup shredded

Red Onion:

1/2, thinly sliced

Black Beans:

1/2 cup, canned, rinsed and drained

Corn Kernels:

1/2 cup, fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed

Jalapeño:

1, thinly sliced (optional)

Cilantro:

1/4 cup, chopped

Sour Cream:

1/4 cup

Lime Juice:

1 tablespoon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
Layer Ingredients: Spread the tortilla chips on the baking sheet, top with BBQ chicken, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, red onion, black beans, corn, and jalapeño slices if using.
Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle and Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with sour cream mixed with lime juice, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve immediately.