BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fun and tasty snack! They feature crispy tortilla chips piled high with tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings like jalapeños and sour cream.
What’s not to love about that cheesy goodness? I often make these for game nights, and they disappear faster than I can say ” nacho”! Trust me, you’ll want to keep a napkin nearby for this messy treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: The base of our nachos! You can use plain corn tortilla chips, but feel free to try blue corn or flavored options. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, baked chips can work too.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience. If you want to cook your own, grilled or poached chicken works great too! For a vegetarian option, you can substitute black beans or chickpeas.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce! Whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy, this ingredient really shapes the flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, homemade BBQ sauce or even taco sauce can work.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives extra creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese shreds, which melt nicely too!
Avocado: Adds a fresh touch! If avocados are out of season, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or spinach for some added color and nutrition.
How Do I Layer Nachos for the Best Results?
Layering nachos is key to ensuring every chip is covered in delicious toppings! Here’s the best way to go about it:
- Start by spreading a nice even layer of tortilla chips on your baking dish.
- Distribute your shredded chicken across the chips, making sure to cover as much surface as possible.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top—this seals in the flavors!
- Add another layer of chips and repeat the process: chicken, then cheese again.
This method helps every bite be equally tasty! Baking them lets the cheese melt and create that gooey goodness, so don’t skip that step. Enjoy making your BBQ Chicken Nachos!
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Ingredients:
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’ll need around 25-30 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your nachos will bake perfectly and the cheese will melt nicely!
2. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
In a medium bowl, take your cooked shredded chicken and pour in the barbecue sauce. Mix it all together until the chicken is well coated in that delicious BBQ flavor.
3. Layer the Tortilla Chips:
On a large baking sheet or an oven-safe platter, spread out a layer of tortilla chips evenly. Make sure they are close but not overlapping, so each chip gets some love!
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, sprinkle half of your BBQ chicken mixture over the tortilla chips. Spread it out evenly so every chip gets some tasty chicken!
5. Cheese it Up:
Time for cheese! Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the chicken and chips. This will melt into gooey goodness while baking.
6. Stack Again:
Add another layer of tortilla chips on top, then add the rest of the BBQ chicken and top it off with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake:
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all melted and bubbly.
8. Add the Toppings:
Once out of the oven, let’s make those nachos look extra delicious! Spoon dollops of sour cream over the top, then sprinkle with diced avocado and chopped cilantro. If you like a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig into your BBQ Chicken Nachos while they’re hot! These nachos are best served right away, as they are melty, gooey, and just plain irresistible!
Can I Use Different Meats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is popular, you can use pulled pork, beef, or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or grilled vegetables!
Can I Prepare the Chicken in Advance?
Yes, you can! Cook and shred the chicken ahead of time, then mix it with BBQ sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before using it in the nachos.
How Do I Store Leftover Nachos?
Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the oven or microwave, though note that they might lose some crunch.
Can I Make These Nachos Spicier?
Of course! You can add more sliced jalapeños, some spicy BBQ sauce, or even sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick!
