Name: BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Tortilla Chips: 1 bag (12 ounces) Shredded Chicken: 2 cups Barbecue Sauce: 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup shredded Black Beans: 1/2 cup canned, rinsed and drained Corn Kernels: 1/2 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned Red Onion: 1/4 cup finely diced Jalapeño: 1, thinly sliced Pickled Jalapeños: 1/4 cup, optional Cilantro: 1/4 cup fresh, chopped Sour Cream and Guacamole: for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving something fun, cheesy, and just downright crowd-pleasing? This BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite! Picture layers of crunchy chips, tangy barbecue chicken, melty cheese, pops of sweet corn, and a rainbow of toppings all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re planning a game-day feast or just want to shake up your family dinner, this is a one-pan wonder you’ll want to whip up on repeat.

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe is how you can pull it together with simple ingredients you probably already have. Every component brings its own unique perk to the table, from crisp texture to zesty flavor or colorful flair. Here’s what to gather:

Tortilla chips: The crunchy foundation that holds all those tasty toppings and keeps every bite dippable and satisfying.
Cooked shredded chicken: Perfect for using up leftover chicken, or grab a rotisserie chicken for the easiest shortcut.
Barbecue sauce: Pick your favorite variety; a bit smoky, sweet, or spicy—it wraps the chicken in saucy, finger-licking flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharp richness and a classic nacho vibe with every gooey stretch.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts like a dream and balances cheddar’s tang with creamy smoothness.
Black beans: Canned, rinsed, and drained—they add earthy taste and heartiness to every layer.
Corn kernels: Use fresh, frozen, or canned for pops of sweetness and bright yellow color.
Red onion: Finely diced for a little crunch and color, plus a welcome bite.
Jalapeño: Thinly sliced and scattered for a gentle kick—use more or less depending on your heat preference.
Pickled jalapeños (optional): For a tangy, spicy finish you’ll love if you crave extra zing.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled for herbal freshness and vibrant green color.
Sour cream & guacamole: Serve on the side for creamy dipping and cooling contrast.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—this step will make cleanup a breeze later! The key is giving the chips plenty of space to crisp up and get evenly topped so that every portion turns out perfect.

Step 2: Layer the Chips

Spread all your tortilla chips in a single, even layer over the prepared baking sheet. Don’t cram them together too tightly—a bit of overlap is okay, but plenty of exposed surface makes each chip a landing pad for delicious toppings.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Barbecue Sauce

In a small bowl, toss your cooked shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until every piece is nicely coated. This is where the BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe gets its signature flavor boost: juicy, sweet-savory barbecue chicken in every mouthful.

Step 4: Assemble the Toppings

Scatter the BBQ chicken evenly over the chips, making sure you hit all the corners. Time to layer on those cheeses—start with cheddar, then Monterey Jack for maximum melt factor. Next up: black beans, corn, diced red onion, and fresh jalapeño slices. Each ingredient is added for taste, texture, and visual excitement.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your nachos into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and everything smells outrageously good. This step brings everything together: the chips toast up, the cheese melts, and the flavors meld.

Step 6: Add Fresh Finishes

Once baked, pull the nachos from the oven and immediately scatter on the pickled jalapeños (if using) and freshly chopped cilantro. These last-minute additions add a punch of brightness, zing, and eye-catching green.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Now the best part—serving! Dish up the hot nachos with generous spoonfuls of sour cream and guacamole on the side. Dig in fast while the cheese is still melty and the chips are crunchy!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

Garnishes

Bring out extra bowls of sliced jalapeños, more fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or thinly sliced green onions for friends to sprinkle over their nachos to taste. A final drizzle of barbecue sauce will make the BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe pop with even more flavor.

Side Dishes

While these nachos are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, try adding a light, refreshing side to balance them out—think a citrusy slaw, a simple tomato-cucumber salad, or cool watermelon wedges. The contrast in textures and temperatures keeps things interesting.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe family-style on a big platter for casual sharing, or plate smaller portions on individual trays for a fun party setup. You can even assemble the nachos in a cast-iron skillet straight from the oven for a dramatic, rustic touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers—though they tend to disappear quickly!—let the nachos cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 2 days, though the chips will soften slightly with time.

Freezing

While you can freeze shredded barbecue chicken, it’s best not to freeze fully assembled nachos, as the chips and toppings won’t hold up well to thawing. For best results, freeze the sauced chicken separately in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months, then thaw and use in a fresh batch of nachos whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To bring leftover nachos back to life, arrange them on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is remelted and everything is warmed through. Microwaving works for speed, but the oven will help restore some of the chips’ original crunch.

FAQs

Can I make BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe ahead of time?

For the crispiest nachos, assemble and bake them right before serving. If you want to save time, prep all the toppings beforehand—the chicken can be cooked and sauced a day in advance, and all your veggies and cheese can be chopped and shredded ahead of time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just make sure you use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and double-check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free, too. The rest of the BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in other great melting cheeses like mozzarella, pepper Jack, or even a sprinkle of feta for a little extra tang. Have fun and use what you love!

What else can I add for extra flavor?

You can totally make this BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe your own—try adding diced avocado, sliced olives, chopped tomatoes, or even a few spoonfuls of pineapple for a sweet and spicy Hawaiian twist.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Skip the chicken and load up on extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled veggies tossed in barbecue sauce. You’ll get all the flavor and color, just without the meat!

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly impossible to resist a tray of these BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe hot from the oven—melty cheese, saucy chicken, and crunchy chips come together for the ultimate comfort food. Give this easy recipe a try the next time you want to wow a crowd (or just spoil yourself!). Let me know how you make it your own!

BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These BBQ Chicken Nachos are a delicious twist on classic nachos, loaded with shredded chicken, flavorful barbecue sauce, two types of cheese, and a medley of tasty toppings. Perfect for a party appetizer or a satisfying main course!

Ingredients

Tortilla Chips:

1 bag (12 ounces)

Shredded Chicken:

2 cups

Barbecue Sauce:

1/2 cup

Cheddar Cheese:

2 cups shredded

Monterey Jack Cheese:

1 cup shredded

Black Beans:

1/2 cup canned, rinsed and drained

Corn Kernels:

1/2 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned

Red Onion:

1/4 cup finely diced

Jalapeño:

1, thinly sliced

Pickled Jalapeños:

1/4 cup, optional

Cilantro:

1/4 cup fresh, chopped

Sour Cream and Guacamole:

for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Layer Chips: Spread tortilla chips evenly on the sheet.
Prepare Chicken: Toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a small bowl and scatter it over the chips.
Add Cheeses and Toppings: Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top, followed by black beans, corn, red onion, and jalapeño slices.
Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Top with pickled jalapeños and cilantro. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.