If you’re craving a snack that packs bold smoky flavor, melty cheese, and a satisfying crunch all in one bite, this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe is your new best friend. Picture layers of crispy tortilla chips loaded with tender, saucy shredded chicken, two kinds of gooey cheese, and topped with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tangy BBQ sauce. It’s that perfect crowd-pleaser for game days, casual get-togethers, or even a fun weeknight treat. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for whenever those nacho cravings hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes something special—whether it’s the smoky richness of the BBQ chicken or the bright freshness of the toppings that create an unbeatable contrast in every bite.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for convenience and flavor.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite kind, as this is the star sauce that brings everything together.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to the chicken that’s well worth including.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A simple seasoning boost that amps up the savory notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors perfectly.
- 10 oz tortilla chips: About one large bag; sturdy chips that hold toppings well are best.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and lends a tangy bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): For extra gooeyness that everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a crisp, slightly sweet crunch.
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional): For those who like a little heat to wake up their taste buds.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Juicy bursts of freshness contrast the rich cheese and BBQ sauce.
- 1/2 cup corn kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture; cooked or frozen both work.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Bright, herbal garnish that lightens the whole dish.
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling: A finishing touch that amps up the flavor and looks gorgeous.
- Sour cream or guacamole for serving (optional): Creamy, cooling dips that complement bold nacho flavors.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
Start by tossing your shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Doing this allows the chicken to soak up those smoky, tangy flavors that will shine throughout your nachos. Set it aside and let the flavors mingle while you get the other components ready.
Step 2: Assemble the Nachos
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a large baking sheet. Spread out your tortilla chips evenly in a single layer to ensure each chip gets some love. Next, evenly distribute the BBQ chicken over the chips, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Make sure that the cheese covers the chicken and chips well—that’s how you get that gooey, melty goodness that keeps you coming back for more.
Step 3: Bake
Pop the nachos into the oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt into bubbling, golden perfection, and for the edges of the chips to develop a little extra crispiness. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—this step is where the magic happens and those flavors come alive.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Once baked, pull the nachos out and immediately top them with the fresh red onions, jalapeños if you’re using them, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels. The contrast of hot, melty cheese with cool, crisp veggies is what elevates this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe to something truly special. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce across the top and sprinkle fresh cilantro over everything for a bright, colorful finish. Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side to give each bite a creamy, cooling element.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are where you get to show off personality and add layers of flavor. The fresh cilantro gives a pop of herbal freshness, diced tomatoes bring juiciness, and sliced jalapeños add a bold kick. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce adds that perfect sweet and smoky finish that ties all the ingredients together.
Side Dishes
While these BBQ chicken nachos are a hearty dish on their own, pairing them with a fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw can bring balance and texture to the meal. If you’re going for a party vibe, some crisp veggie sticks or even a light bean dip complement the nachos beautifully and keep things festive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider serving these nachos on a rustic wooden platter or a cast-iron skillet to keep them warm longer. For a fun twist, you can layer the ingredients in smaller individual portions using mini skillets or ramekins—perfect for personalized servings at gatherings or game day parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ chicken nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the chips from getting too soggy, store the toppings separately when possible and assemble just before reheating.
Freezing
While you can freeze the BBQ chicken mixture by itself in a sealed container for up to 3 months, it’s best to avoid freezing fully assembled nachos. Chips tend to lose their crunch and become mushy after thawing, so preparing fresh nachos is always preferable.
Reheating
To reheat your leftover BBQ chicken nachos, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This helps re-crisp the chips and melts the cheese nicely. If you stored toppings separately, add those fresh after reheating for best results.
FAQs
Can I make this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the shredded chicken with seasoned black beans or a plant-based meat alternative to keep the flavor and texture hearty while making it vegetarian-friendly.
What is the best type of BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your flavor preference—whether sweet, tangy, smoky, or spicy. Just make sure it’s a good quality sauce, as it really influences the end taste of the dish.
How spicy are the nachos with jalapeños?
The jalapeños add a moderate heat level that’s adjustable to your taste. You can remove the seeds for milder heat or omit them entirely if you want to keep it mild.
Can I prepare the BBQ chicken in advance?
Yes! Preparing the BBQ chicken a few hours or even a day before allows the flavors to deepen, making your nachos even more delicious when assembled.
Are there other cheeses I can use?
Definitely. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda work well in this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe and can add unique flavors or extra creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe is a wonderfully easy way to bring big, bold flavors to your table without a ton of fuss. It’s perfect for sharing, full of texture contrasts, and endlessly customizable to fit your mood and taste buds. I can’t wait for you to make it and see how quickly it becomes your favorite go-to nachos recipe. Happy snacking!
Print
BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Nachos are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack, perfect for sharing. Featuring shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce, layered over crispy tortilla chips, and topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, these nachos are baked to bubbly perfection. Fresh toppings like red onions, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and corn add brightness and crunch, while a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro finish them off beautifully. Serve with sour cream or guacamole for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Nachos
- 10 oz tortilla chips (about 1 large bag)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (cooked or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
- Sour cream or guacamole for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Set aside to allow the flavors to marinate.
- Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a large baking sheet, spread the tortilla chips out evenly in a single layer. Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken and chips, covering them well to ensure a cheesy finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted thoroughly and is bubbly. The edges of the tortilla chips will begin to crisp, adding a delightful crunch to your nachos.
- Top and Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven carefully. Immediately top with sliced red onions, jalapeños for heat, diced tomatoes, and corn kernels to add freshness and texture. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the top to enhance the smoky flavor and add vibrant color. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness. Serve the nachos hot with optional sour cream or guacamole on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or baked chicken.
- For a spicier kick, add more jalapeños or use a hot BBQ sauce.
- Feel free to customize toppings—black beans, olives, or avocado slices make great additions.
- To keep the chips crispy, serve nachos immediately after baking.
- The mozzarella cheese is optional but adds extra gooeyness and creaminess.
