Ultimate BBQ Chicken Nachos: The Perfect Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer or Easy Dinner

BBQ Chicken Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or need a show-stopping appetizer for your next party. This recipe combines crispy tortilla chips with savory barbecue chicken, a generous blanket of melted cheese, and all your favorite vibrant toppings. Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more!

There’s something undeniably irresistible about nachos. The moment I spot them on a menu, my taste buds instantly awaken, craving that perfect combination of crunchy tortilla chips, warm, gooey cheese, and a dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole. While classic versions, like my Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos, are always a hit, sometimes you want to shake things up with a new flavor profile.

That’s where these Barbecue Chicken Nachos come in! The sweet, smoky, and tangy notes of barbecue sauce are a natural complement to tender chicken, making it an ideal base for a hearty nacho platter. This recipe elevates a simple dish into a gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to assemble. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic comfort food with a bold, exciting twist that’s perfect for any occasion.

baked barbecue chicken nachos on a baking sheet

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Nachos

These BBQ Chicken Nachos aren’t just another recipe; they’re an experience designed for enjoyment and ease. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

Effortlessly Fun & Customizable: Nachos are inherently fun, transforming mealtime into an exciting, interactive event. Say goodbye to picky eaters because everyone can tailor their toppings. Need to skip beans on one half or add extra jalapeños to another? No problem! This adaptability ensures everyone at your table will be happy and satisfied.
Ultimate Chicken Versatility: This recipe shines with its flexibility in preparing the chicken. Whether you prefer to cook it fresh, utilize leftovers, or grab a convenient rotisserie chicken, these nachos come together in a flash. We’ll explore several methods below, ensuring you can whip up delicious BBQ chicken no matter your schedule or cooking preference.
Endless Topping Possibilities: While we provide a fantastic starting list of toppings, the true magic of nachos lies in the freedom to experiment. Think beyond the ordinary – if you can imagine it complementing BBQ chicken and cheese, go for it! This encourages creativity and ensures every batch of nachos can be uniquely yours.

Essential Ingredients for Irresistible Nachos

Crafting the perfect platter of BBQ Chicken Nachos starts with a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this amazing dish:

Chicken: The star of the show. Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs work best.
Barbecue Sauce: Your favorite brand will do! A good quality, rich BBQ sauce is key to the flavor.
Tortilla Chips: Sturdy chips are essential to hold up to the generous toppings.
Cheese: A blend of melty cheeses for that signature gooey finish.
Tomatoes: Freshly diced tomatoes add a burst of color and acidity.
Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they add a hearty, earthy element.
Corn Kernels: Sweet corn brings a lovely pop of sweetness and texture.
Red Onion: Finely chopped for a sharp, fresh bite.
Guacamole: A cool, creamy topping that perfectly balances the rich flavors.
Sour Cream: For a refreshing, tangy counterpoint.
Optional Toppings: Jalapeños, cilantro, bacon bits, green onions, and more (see ideas below!).

looking down on shredded chicken on a cutting board

Mastering the Chicken: Multiple Cooking Methods

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, especially when it comes to the chicken. You have several convenient options to prepare perfectly tender, saucy BBQ chicken, ensuring this dish fits seamlessly into your schedule.

Speedy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: For those busy weeknights, your pressure cooker is your best friend. Simply combine chicken breasts or thighs with a cup of your preferred barbecue sauce in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness), then allow for a natural release. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the pot, stirring to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in that delicious, tenderizing sauce. This method guarantees succulent chicken in minimal time, ready for your nachos. You can find a dedicated recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken for more detailed guidance.
Flavorful Grilled Chicken: If you love a smoky char, grilling is an excellent choice. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and grill them until fully cooked, brushing with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes to build flavor and a slight caramelization. Once done, remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and then toss it generously with additional BBQ sauce in a bowl. This method imparts a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the nachos beautifully.
The Ultimate Shortcut: Rotisserie or Pre-Cooked Chicken: When time is of the essence, store-bought rotisserie chicken or pre-shredded cooked chicken from your grocery store is a lifesaver. This option drastically cuts down prep time without sacrificing taste. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken or use your pre-cooked chicken, then toss it thoroughly with your favorite barbecue sauce until every piece is well coated. This step ensures your chicken is moist, flavorful, and ready to go straight onto your nacho platter.
Hands-Off Slow Cooker Method: For a truly effortless approach, the slow cooker delivers incredibly tender, fall-apart chicken with minimal intervention. Place chicken breasts or thighs in your crockpot and cover with barbecue sauce. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is easily shreddable with a fork. The long, slow cooking process infuses the chicken with rich BBQ flavor and ensures it’s perfectly juicy. Once cooked, shred the chicken and mix it with more sauce if needed, creating a delectable base for your nachos.

bbq chicken nachos on a baking tray ready for the oven

Assembling Your Epic BBQ Chicken Nachos

For the exact measurements and full instructions, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the COMPLETE PRINTABLE recipe card.

Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This simple step is a game-changer for easy cleanup, preventing any delicious, melted cheese from sticking to your pan.
Chicken Prep: Ensure your chicken is cooked and thoroughly coated in barbecue sauce, ready for layering. This foundational step guarantees flavor in every bite.
First Layer of Chips: Following a cue from the best restaurants, layering is key for perfectly loaded nachos. Spread half of your tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Don’t clump them; aim for a single layer where possible to ensure even crisping and topping distribution.
First Layer of Toppings: Now, it’s time to build flavor! Over your first layer of chips, generously sprinkle about half of your BBQ chicken, black beans, corn kernels, finely chopped red onions, and a good portion of your shredded cheese blend. This ensures that every chip gets a taste of the good stuff.
Second Layer of Chips and Toppings: Add the remaining tortilla chips on top of the first layer of toppings. Then, distribute the rest of your BBQ chicken, beans, corn, red onions, and especially the remaining cheese evenly over this second layer. This strategic layering ensures maximum cheesiness and topping coverage throughout the entire platter.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges, and the chips are warmed through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot nachos from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with fresh diced tomatoes. For the ultimate experience, serve them piping hot with generous dollops of cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, and extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. Dive in and enjoy!

looking down on a baking sheet with bbq chicken nachos

Creative Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Nachos

While the core ingredients create a fantastic foundation, the right toppings can transform your BBQ Chicken Nachos into a culinary masterpiece. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize them to your liking!

Jalapeños: For a delightful kick of heat, add slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños. Fresh ones offer a brighter, crisper heat, while pickled ones bring a tangy zest.
Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro on top adds a burst of vibrant freshness that pairs exceptionally well with the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue.
Cooked and Crumbled Bacon: Everything is better with bacon! Its salty, smoky crunch adds another layer of irresistible flavor and texture.
Banana Peppers: If you prefer a milder tang and less heat than jalapeños, thinly sliced banana peppers offer a subtle sweetness and bright, pickled flavor.
Chopped Pineapple: For a sweet and savory twist, especially complementary to BBQ flavors, small diced pineapple pieces can be a surprising and delicious addition.
Green Onions (Scallions): Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild, oniony freshness and a touch of color, perfect for garnishing.
Avocado or Diced Red Bell Peppers: For added healthy fats and a sweet crunch respectively, these can brighten up the dish.
A Drizzle of Ranch or Spicy Mayo: For an extra creamy and tangy element, a light drizzle of ranch dressing or a homemade spicy mayo can be incredibly tasty.

Choosing the Best Cheese for Your Nachos

The cheese is arguably the most crucial component of any nacho dish, providing that irresistible melty goodness. The key is to select cheeses that melt beautifully and complement the bold flavors of the BBQ chicken. Here are some fantastic options:

Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice, cheddar offers a sharp, distinct flavor and melts wonderfully. Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar will all work, depending on your preference for cheese intensity.
Monterey Jack: Known for its exceptional melting qualities, Monterey Jack cheese is mild and creamy, providing a smooth, gooey texture without overpowering other flavors.
Colby: Similar to cheddar but milder and creamier, Colby cheese offers a good melt and a gentle flavor that appeals to many.
Mexican Blend: Many grocery stores offer pre-shredded “Mexican blend” cheeses, which are typically a combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso blanco. These are convenient and designed for optimal melt and flavor in Tex-Mex dishes.
Pepper Jack: For those who enjoy a little extra zing, Pepper Jack cheese (Monterey Jack with added spicy peppers) introduces a pleasant kick of heat while still melting beautifully.
White Queso: If you’re looking for a restaurant-style experience, a homemade or store-bought white queso dip can be poured generously over the nachos after baking, offering a smooth, velvety, and incredibly flavorful cheese sauce.

For the best results, consider using a blend of two or three different cheeses to achieve both depth of flavor and perfect melt. Grating your own cheese from a block will always yield a superior melt compared to pre-shredded varieties, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.

Serve your warm, cheesy nachos with cool sour cream and fresh, homemade Guacamole for dipping – a combination that simply can’t be beat!

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Nachos

Achieving nacho perfection is simple with a few key strategies:

Don’t Overload: While tempting, piling too many toppings on a single chip can make the nachos soggy. Distribute toppings evenly in layers to ensure every chip has some goodness without being overwhelmed.
Even Chip Distribution: Spread your tortilla chips in a relatively even layer on the baking sheet. This helps them crisp up properly and ensures cheese melts uniformly.
Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed straight from the oven when the cheese is gloriously gooey and the chips are still crisp.
Prep Ahead: Most of your toppings (diced tomatoes, chopped onions, cooked chicken) can be prepped in advance, making assembly a breeze right before baking.
Reheating Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes until cheese is re-melted and chips are crisp again. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.

More Tasty Barbecue Dinner Recipes

If you’re a fan of the bold, smoky flavors of barbecue, you’ll love these other dinner ideas:

Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Bread
BBQ Chicken Wrap
Monterey Chicken
Instant Pot Ribs
Smoky Garlic Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

5 from 2 votes

BBQ Chicken Nachos

By
Erin Sellin

BBQ Chicken Nachos – a fun and easy dinner or appetizer for your next party. Loaded with barbecue chicken, cheese, and all the toppings you can think of!

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

10 minutes

Total:

10 minutes

Servings:
8

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Ingredients

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1 cup barbecue sauce
14.5 oz bag tortilla chips
1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cup shredded colby jack cheese
1 tomato, diced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F. Line a sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, combine your cooked and shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, ensuring everything is well coated for maximum flavor.
Arrange half of your tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. This forms the essential base for your nachos.
Over this first layer of tortilla chips, generously sprinkle half of the BBQ chicken mixture, black beans, corn kernels, finely chopped red onions, and half of your shredded cheese blend.
Top with the remaining chips and then distribute the rest of your BBQ chicken and toppings, finishing with a final layer of cheese. This layering technique ensures every bite is loaded!
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for about 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling, and the chips are hot and slightly crispy.
Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh diced tomatoes. For an added touch of freshness, consider a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions.
Serve these delicious nachos hot with cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, and additional barbecue sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy your ultimate nacho experience!

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

10 minutes

Course:
Appetizer Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
8

Calories:
608

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