The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Nachos: Easy & Delicious Recipe for Any Occasion
Indulge in the perfect blend of smoky barbecue flavor and classic nacho goodness with these incredible BBQ Chicken Nachos. An irresistible appetizer or a satisfying main course, loaded with tender barbecue chicken, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite fresh toppings.
There’s something universally appealing about nachos. That perfect bite of crispy tortilla chip, generously coated in warm, melty cheese, and topped with an array of fresh ingredients – it’s pure comfort food that always hits the spot. When I spot nachos on a menu, it’s often the first thing I’m tempted to order. My classic Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos offer a timeless rendition with seasoned chicken and traditional fixings.
But today, we’re taking a delightful detour into the world of barbecue! Why limit ourselves when the savory, sweet, and tangy notes of BBQ sauce pair so incredibly well with crunchy chips and creamy cheese? These BBQ Chicken Nachos are designed to be a showstopper, whether you’re planning a fun family dinner, hosting a game day, or need an impressive appetizer for your next party. Get ready for a flavor explosion that everyone will absolutely adore.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
These Barbecue Chicken Nachos aren’t just another dish; they’re an experience! Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your household:
- Unforgettable Fun & No Picky Eaters: Nachos are inherently fun, which means you’ll rarely hear complaints from even the pickiest eaters. The beauty of this dish lies in its customizability. You can easily adjust the toppings – for instance, add black beans to only half the pan if some don’t prefer them, ensuring everyone finds something they love. It’s a crowd-pleaser that guarantees happy faces all around!
- Effortless Chicken Preparation: One of the best aspects of this recipe is the flexibility in preparing your barbecue chicken. Whether you’re a fan of quick meal solutions or prefer to cook from scratch, there’s an option for you. Use leftover chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or even pre-shredded chicken to assemble this dish in record time. Alternatively, choose from several easy cooking methods that we’ll detail below.
- Unleash Your Creativity with Toppings: While we provide a fantastic list of topping ideas, consider it just a starting point! Nachos are a canvas for culinary creativity. If you think a certain ingredient would taste amazing, go for it! From spicy jalapeños to creamy avocado, the possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor these nachos to your exact cravings.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a festive party appetizer, a game-day snack, or a movie night treat, these BBQ Chicken Nachos fit perfectly. They’re substantial enough to be a meal yet shareable enough for an appetizer, making them incredibly versatile.
What You’ll Need to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to nacho nirvana. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need, along with a few tips:
- Cooked Chicken: The star of our show! You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. Breast or thigh meat works equally well. (See next section for cooking methods!)
- Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! A classic smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce is perfect. You can go for a store-bought brand or make your own for an extra personal touch.
- Tortilla Chips: The foundation! Opt for sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to all the toppings without getting soggy.
- Cheese: A generous amount of shredded cheese is essential for that irresistible melt. We recommend a combination for the best flavor and texture.
- Tomatoes: Freshly diced tomatoes add a burst of juicy freshness and color to the finished dish.
- Black Beans: Canned black beans, rinsed and drained, provide a hearty, earthy component.
- Corn Kernels: Sweet corn, either canned (drained) or frozen (thawed), adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion offers a sharp, zesty kick that complements the rich flavors.
- Guacamole: Homemade or store-bought, creamy guacamole is a must-have for dipping.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream balances the flavors and heat.
- Optional (but highly recommended): Fresh cilantro, jalapeños, lime wedges, and extra BBQ sauce for serving.
How Do I Cook The Chicken for BBQ Chicken Nachos?
This is where the flexibility of this BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe truly shines! You have multiple delicious and easy ways to prepare the barbecue chicken, catering to your time constraints and preferred cooking methods. The goal is tender, flavorful chicken generously coated in your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: If you own a pressure cooker, this method is incredibly fast and yields perfectly tender chicken. You can make Instant Pot BBQ Chicken in mere minutes. Simply place chicken breasts or thighs in the Instant Pot with about 1/2 cup of water or broth, cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes (depending on thickness), then natural release for 5 minutes before quick releasing. Shred the cooked chicken, then toss it with your preferred barbecue sauce until every piece is well coated.
- Grilled BBQ Chicken: For a delicious smoky flavor, fire up the grill! Cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on the grill, basting them frequently with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized glaze. Once cooked through, remove the chicken, let it rest briefly, then shred it. Toss the shredded chicken with more barbecue sauce to ensure it’s thoroughly coated and bursting with flavor.
- Quick Shortcut with Rotisserie or Leftover Chicken: This is the ultimate time-saver! If you have leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, or if you grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, you’re halfway there. Even the pre-shredded cooked chicken found in many deli sections works wonderfully. Simply shred or chop your pre-cooked chicken, then toss it generously with your favorite barbecue sauce in a bowl. Mix until every piece is coated, and you’re ready to assemble your nachos.
- Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken: The opposite of the pressure cooker in terms of speed, but equally effortless, is using the slow cooker or crockpot. Place chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker and cover them with barbecue sauce. Cook on low for about 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreddable with two forks. Once shredded, stir the chicken back into the sauce, adding more if necessary, to achieve that perfect saucy consistency. This method is fantastic for meal prepping the chicken ahead of time.
No matter which method you choose, ensure your chicken is thoroughly cooked, shredded, and generously coated in that irresistible barbecue sauce. This flavorful foundation is what makes these BBQ Chicken Nachos truly special!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos: A Step-by-Step Guide
For the exact measurements and a detailed, printable recipe card, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post!
Once your flavorful BBQ chicken is ready, assembling these nachos is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for perfectly layered, gooey, and delicious results:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). While the oven heats, line a large baking tray or sheet pan with aluminum foil. This step isn’t strictly necessary for cooking, but it is a game-changer for cleanup – preventing any melted cheese from sticking to your pan and making washing up a breeze.
- First Layer of Chips: For the best nachos, we’ll take a cue from popular restaurants and build them in layers. This ensures that every chip gets some delicious toppings and plenty of melted cheese. Start by arranging about half of your tortilla chips in an even layer across the prepared baking sheet. Try to spread them out without too much overlap.
- Add Your First Round of Toppings: Now it’s time to load up that first layer! Evenly sprinkle about half of your prepared BBQ chicken over the chips. Follow with half of the black beans, corn kernels, and finely chopped red onions. Finally, generously sprinkle half of your shredded cheese blend over these ingredients.
- Second Layer for Maximum Flavor: Repeat the layering process. Arrange the remaining tortilla chips over the first layer of toppings. Then, distribute the rest of your BBQ chicken, black beans, corn kernels, red onions, and, most importantly, the remaining shredded cheese. This double-layering technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and gooey cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges, and the chips are hot and slightly crisped. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Finish with Freshness & Serve: Once the nachos are perfectly baked, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Immediately top with fresh diced tomatoes. For the ultimate experience, serve these hot nachos with generous dollops of sour cream, scoops of fresh guacamole, and, if desired, a side of extra barbecue sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These BBQ Chicken Nachos are best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
Creative Topping Ideas for Your BBQ Chicken Nachos
While the core recipe for these BBQ Chicken Nachos is fantastic on its own, the real fun begins when you start experimenting with toppings! Beyond the essentials, here are even more ideas to elevate your nacho experience and truly make them your own:
- Jalapeños: Add a fantastic kick! Use fresh, thinly sliced jalapeños for a crisp, bright heat, or go for pickled jalapeño slices for a slightly milder, tangy spice.
- Fresh Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top pairs wonderfully with the smoky-sweet barbecue flavors, adding a vibrant, herbaceous note.
- Cooked & Crumbled Bacon: Everything’s better with bacon! Crispy, salty bacon bits add an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.
- Banana Peppers: For a milder tang and a touch of color, sliced pickled banana peppers are a great addition. They offer a subtle sweetness and a pleasant vinegary bite.
- Chopped Pineapple: For a bold, Hawaiian BBQ-inspired twist, add small pieces of chopped pineapple. Its sweetness and acidity cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken beautifully.
- Green Onions (Scallions): Sliced green onions offer a mild onion flavor and a fresh, crisp texture, making them an excellent garnish.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives are a classic nacho topping that adds a briny, savory element.
- Avocado Slices or Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado provides a cool, healthy contrast to the warm, cheesy goodness.
- Pico de Gallo or Salsa: A fresh homemade pico de gallo or your favorite salsa adds another layer of fresh, vibrant flavor.
- Ranch Dressing Drizzle: For a creamy, cool counterpoint to the BBQ, a light drizzle of ranch dressing can be surprisingly delicious.
- Hot Sauce: If you love extra heat, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can take these nachos to the next level.
- Pickled Red Onions: Quick pickled red onions offer a beautiful color and a tangy, slightly sweet crunch that really stands out.
What Cheese Goes On BBQ Chicken Nachos?
The cheese is arguably the most crucial component of any great nacho dish. You want a cheese (or combination of cheeses!) that not only tastes fantastic but also melts beautifully into a gooey, irresistible blanket over your chips and toppings. Here are some excellent options for your BBQ Chicken Nachos, each bringing a slightly different flavor and melting quality:
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic for a reason! Cheddar offers a sharp, distinct flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rich BBQ chicken. Both mild and sharp cheddar work well, depending on your preference. It melts smoothly and creates that iconic nacho look.
- Monterey Jack: This mild, buttery, and incredibly melt-friendly cheese is a fantastic choice. Monterey Jack provides a creamy texture and a very smooth melt, helping to bind all the toppings together without overpowering other flavors.
- Colby: Similar to cheddar but with a milder flavor and softer texture, Colby cheese melts beautifully and offers a creamy, slightly sweet note. It’s often combined with Jack cheese in a “Colby Jack” blend.
- Mexican Blend: Many grocery stores offer pre-shredded “Mexican Blend” cheeses, which typically contain a mix of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco. These blends are convenient and designed to melt well, offering a balanced flavor profile perfect for nachos.
- Pepper Jack: If you like a little extra kick, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent option. It’s Monterey Jack infused with spicy jalapeño peppers, providing a creamy texture with a pleasant, subtle heat.
- White Queso: For an authentic, restaurant-style experience, you can even drizzle warm white queso over your nachos after they come out of the oven. This adds an extra layer of creamy, cheesy decadence that is simply divine.
Pro Tip: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, block cheese that you shred yourself often melts more smoothly and tastes fresher. Pre-shredded varieties sometimes contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a truly gooey melt.
Serve your cheesy, loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos with a side of cool sour cream and a bowl of fresh, homemade Guacamole for dipping. This combination creates a flavor symphony that simply can’t be beaten!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Got questions about making the best BBQ Chicken Nachos? We’ve got answers!
- Can I make these nachos vegetarian? Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with a plant-based alternative. Pulled jackfruit tossed in BBQ sauce is a fantastic option that mimics the texture of shredded chicken. You could also use extra black beans, seasoned crumbled tofu, or even roasted sweet potatoes.
- Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes, you can! This is a great way to make assembly even quicker. Cook and shred your BBQ chicken up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop your red onion and dice your tomatoes ahead of time. Guacamole is best made fresh just before serving to prevent browning.
- What kind of tortilla chips are best? Look for sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips. Thinner chips might get soggy under the weight of the toppings. White corn or yellow corn chips both work great, depending on your preference.
- How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy? The layering method helps tremendously. Also, ensure your BBQ chicken isn’t overly saucy before layering. Baking them just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, rather than over-baking, will help keep the chips crisp. Serving immediately after baking is key.
- How should I store leftover BBQ Chicken Nachos? Nachos are truly best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The chips will likely soften.
- How do I reheat leftover nachos? The best way to reheat nachos is in the oven or an air fryer. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is re-melted. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the chips very soggy.
More Tasty Barbecue Dinner Recipes to Try
If you loved these BBQ Chicken Nachos, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delicious barbecue-inspired dinner recipes from our collection:
- Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Classic comfort food with tender, saucy pork.
- Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Bread: A creative and incredibly delicious way to enjoy BBQ chicken.
- BBQ Chicken Wrap: A quick, easy, and healthy meal option packed with flavor.
- Monterey Chicken: Cheesy, savory chicken with a Tex-Mex twist.
- Instant Pot Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone ribs made tender in minutes.
- Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta: A comforting pasta dish with a hint of smoke.
- Instant Pot Country Style Ribs: Hearty and flavorful, cooked to perfection in your pressure cooker.
- Poor Man’s Burnt Ends: A more accessible version of a BBQ classic, packed with flavor.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
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Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 14.5 oz bag sturdy tortilla chips
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned, drained, or frozen, thawed)
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cup shredded colby jack cheese (or Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
- 1 tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
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In a medium bowl, combine your cooked and shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce. Mix well until all the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce.
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Arrange approximately half of your tortilla chips in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Over this first layer of tortilla chips, evenly sprinkle half of the saucy BBQ chicken, black beans, corn kernels, finely chopped red onions, and half of the shredded cheese blend.
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Top with the remaining half of your tortilla chips, followed by the rest of the BBQ chicken, beans, corn, red onions, and generously sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. This ensures a fantastic distribution of toppings!
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Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and hot, and the chips are slightly crisp.
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Carefully remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately top with the fresh diced tomatoes. If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.
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Serve these irresistible BBQ Chicken Nachos hot with generous dollops of sour cream, scoops of guacamole, and extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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