Name: BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz tortilla chips; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; ½ cup BBQ sauce; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained; ⅓ cup red onion, finely diced; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional); ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ¼ cup sliced green onions; sour cream; lime wedges

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There’s almost nothing more festive or irresistibly crowd-pleasing than a platter loaded with BBQ Chicken Nachos! This recipe takes classic nachos to the next level with juicy, BBQ-sauced chicken, a double hit of melty cheese, and all the vibrant toppings you crave. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate game day snack, a fuss-free family meal, or a guaranteed hit for your next party, these nachos have you covered. The smoky, tangy, cheesy goodness on every chip is bound to win over even the toughest critic.

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how straightforward these ingredients are—every single one brings something wonderful to the party. The crunch, the gooey cheese, the pops of fresh topping and smoky BBQ flavor are all carefully balanced for maximum flavor.

Tortilla Chips: Go for sturdy chips, so they hold up under all those toppings and don’t get soggy.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a chef’s shortcut, but any leftover chicken works—just make sure it’s tender.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or style for a sweet, tangy, or spicy barbecue flavor that shines through every bite.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides those iconic gooey, orange strands and classic nacho flavor.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts like a dream and adds a creamy, mild richness to the mix.
Canned Black Beans (rinsed and drained): Add heartiness, fiber, and contrast in both color and texture.
Red Onion, Finely Diced: Brings a fresh crunch and a little spicy bite to offset the richness.
Jalapeño, Thinly Sliced (Optional): This one’s for the heat-lovers—add as much or as little as you’d like.
Fresh Cilantro, Chopped: A vibrant, herbal finish that brings brightness to every bite.
Green Onions, Sliced: Mild, crisp, and a perfect pop of color on top of your nachos.
Sour Cream and Lime Wedges (for serving): Essential for cooling creaminess and a burst of citrusy tang at the end.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and line a large baking sheet with parchment or foil for breezy cleanup. In a medium bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until every strand is luscious and coated. This step sets the flavor base for the entire BBQ Chicken Nachos experience!

Step 2: Layer the Chips and Cheese

Spread your tortilla chips out in an even layer on the baking sheet, taking care to cover as much surface as possible and minimize overlap. Sprinkle about half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chips at this stage. This blanket of cheese helps “glue” the first layer together and ensures cheesy goodness in every bite.

Step 3: Add the Toppings

Spoon on the BBQ chicken, making sure you cover most of the chips for maximum flavor in every mouthful. Scatter the black beans, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) evenly over the top. Just before baking, sprinkle on the rest of the cheese for that perfectly melty, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and starting to turn golden brown around the edges. The aroma is your clue that irresistible things are happening—don’t overbake, or you risk dried-out toppings!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pull the nachos from the oven and immediately top with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve piping hot right off the tray with dollops of sour cream and wedges of lime for each person to customize their own plate of BBQ Chicken Nachos.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Nachos

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make all the difference. A generous crown of chopped cilantro and a flurry of green onions add a bright, herby note that cuts through the richness. Don’t forget the sour cream for coolness and a squeeze of fresh lime to bring all the flavors alive. Avocado or pickled onions are fantastic extras if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Nachos already pack a punch as a main dish or hearty appetizer, but you can build a full spread around them. Pair with a crunchy slaw, corn salad, or a big bowl of guacamole and chips. For a more laid-back night, keep things simple with cold drinks and fresh fruit on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Nothing says party like a dramatic nacho platter! Try making individual mini-sheets for family movie night, or build your BBQ Chicken Nachos in layers for easy sharing. For game day, serve on a big sheet pan lined with parchment for that grab-and-go feeling—just gather your favorite people and dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BBQ Chicken Nachos (a rare but happy problem!), carefully transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep in mind that nachos lose some crispness over time, but they’re still plenty delicious!

Freezing

While the assembled nachos don’t freeze well, you can absolutely freeze the BBQ chicken mixture on its own. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then thaw and use for another round of nachos, tacos, or salads whenever you need a shortcut.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers at their cheesiest, reheat BBQ Chicken Nachos in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese is gooey again. The oven helps restore some of that lost crunch, while the microwave makes things a bit softer but still tasty.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer, Main Course

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in favorites like pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a smoked gouda for a twist. The most important thing is that the cheese melts well and complements the smoky-sweet BBQ chicken.

How do I make these nachos spicier?

Kick up the heat by stirring hot sauce or diced chipotle peppers into the BBQ chicken, or add extra jalapeños on top. You can even serve with sliced pickled jalapeños and a drizzle of sriracha for spice-lovers.

What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use whatever BBQ sauce you love! Smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy varieties all work—this is the easiest way to customize your BBQ Chicken Nachos to your own taste buds.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Nachos vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the chicken and double up on black beans, or add roasted veggies like corn, peppers, or mushrooms for a satisfying meatless version.

What’s the best way to keep nachos from getting soggy?

Spread your chips out evenly, layer cheese both under and over the toppings, and serve immediately for maximum crispness. If making ahead, assemble but wait to bake (and add fresh toppings) until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dive into these BBQ Chicken Nachos as I always am! Whether it’s a big celebration, a movie night, or just a craving for something cheesy and fun, this recipe is sure to be your new favorite. Grab your ingredients, gather your people, and enjoy every saucy, crunchy bite!

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These BBQ Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for game day or a casual gathering. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, these nachos are a delicious twist on a classic snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortilla Chips:

8 oz tortilla chips

BBQ Chicken:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup BBQ sauce

Cheese:

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Additional Toppings:

½ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
¼ cup sliced green onions

For Serving:

sour cream
lime wedges

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until coated.
Assemble the Nachos: On a baking sheet, layer tortilla chips, cheese, BBQ chicken, black beans, red onion, and jalapeño. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted.
Finish and Serve: Top with cilantro and green onions. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges.