These BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty treat! Piled high with crispy chips, smoky barbecue chicken, and gooey cheese, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying alone.
Let’s be real, who can resist that cheesy goodness? I love to load mine up with extra toppings like jalapeños and sour cream. They never last long at my house! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy chips that can hold all the toppings. If you don’t have tortilla chips, you could use pita chips or make your own by baking cut-up tortillas.
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for ease. If you’re vegetarian, consider using black beans or grilled veggies instead.
Barbecue Sauce: A smoky sauce works best, but you can use sweet or spicy versions according to your taste. Homemade sauce is also an option if you prefer to mix flavors.
Cheese: I love a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for flavor and creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Cheese is Perfectly Melted?
Melted cheese is key for nachos. Here’s how to get that gooey goodness just right:
- Preheat your oven properly to ensure even melting.
- Spread the cheese evenly over the chicken and chips, so every bite has some.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
- If it’s not melting as you’d like, broil for an extra minute—just watch closely!
Your nachos should come out with a beautiful melt that holds the toppings without falling apart. Enjoy your delicious creation!
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Nachos:
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for drizzling)
- Jalapeños sliced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 minutes in the oven. So, in just under 30 minutes, you can have a plate of mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Nachos ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important to ensure that the cheese melts perfectly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is nicely coated in the sauce. This will give it flavor and moisture.
3. Assemble the Nachos:
Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter. Make sure the chips cover most of the surface so you get a good nacho-to-topping ratio!
4. Add the Toppings:
Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken mixture over the chips. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of the chicken and chips. Finish off by adding the diced red onions, green bell pepper (if you’re using it), and sliced jalapeños for a little heat.
5. Bake Them:
Place the loaded nachos in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you love crispy cheese, broiling them for a minute at the end can give that nice golden top!
6. Drizzle and Garnish:
Once baked, take your nachos out of the oven. Drizzle some extra barbecue sauce and sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro to brighten everything up.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig into your BBQ Chicken Nachos while they’re warm. They make a perfect snack or meal for sharing with family and friends!
These BBQ Chicken Nachos combine smoky barbecue flavor and melty cheese with fresh toppings for a delicious appetizer or meal perfect for sharing.
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time saver and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the barbecue sauce as directed.
What Can I Substitute for the Tortilla Chips?
If you don’t have tortilla chips, you can use pita chips, homemade baked tortilla pieces, or even potato chips in a pinch. Just ensure they’re sturdy enough to hold the toppings.
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, nachos are best served fresh, so the texture might be different when reheating. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet in the oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and use black beans, grilled vegetables, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. You can replace the barbecue sauce with a flavorful tomato sauce for a different take.
