These BBQ Chicken Nachos combine two beloved family favorites – nachos and barbecue chicken! Featuring tender chicken, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, these loaded nachos are cheesy, saucy, simple to prepare, and perfect for serving a crowd – ideal for family movie nights and game days.
When I need to feed a large, hungry crowd (or just my own family!), sheet pan nachos are always at the top of my list. I’ve previously shared recipes such as chicken fajita nachos and crispy carnitas nachos, and now it’s time for BBQ chicken nachos!
The flavors of these BBQ-pulled chicken nachos blend seamlessly, and they are incredibly easy to prepare. Best of all, they’re a hit with everyone!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick & simple – You can whip up this BBQ chicken nachos recipe in just 20 minutes!
- Great for utilizing leftovers – This recipe is perfect for using up chicken leftovers. I prepare a large batch of BBQ chicken for dinner earlier in the week and then repurpose the leftovers for these nachos a couple of days later.
- Perfect for game days – Who doesn’t adore nachos on game days?!
- Family favorite – Everyone gets excited when BBQ chicken nachos are on the menu!
Recipe Notes
This BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe is as straightforward as promised! Just 20 minutes for a delicious family-friendly meal.
In this section, I’ll outline a few tips and tricks for making BBQ Chicken Nachos to achieve the best and most flavorful results.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the nachos:
- Tortilla chips – Choose your favorite brand of tortilla chips, but I recommend using a thicker, sturdier chip to support all the delicious toppings.
- BBQ chicken – Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, or my 30-Minute Baked BBQ Chicken are all great options for shredded chicken nachos.
- Cheddar – Use mild, medium, or sharp cheddar depending on your personal preference.
- Black beans – One can, rinsed and drained.
- Corn – One can of corn, drained, adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
For the toppings:
- BBQ sauce – Use your preferred brand or make your own homemade BBQ sauce.
- Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves enhances both color and flavor.
- Pico de gallo – You can purchase it pre-made or prepare your own easy homemade version (it’s quite simple!).
- Guacamole – Again, you can buy it or whip up your own quick homemade batch.
guacamole.
Don’t forget to check the recipe card located at the end of this post for detailed measurements and a complete list of ingredients.
Recipe Variations
If you enjoy this recipe as much as we do and are looking for quick ways to switch things up, these simple tips will provide that variety you crave!
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos– Prepare Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and drizzle Frank’s Red Hot sauce on top instead of using BBQ sauce.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Nachos– Select a spicy BBQ sauce and add plenty of jalapeño peppers.
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch BBQ Nachos– Start with ranch-baked chicken and toss in crispy bacon bits after baking.
Recipe Step by Step
I will outline a few important steps in the process, but be sure to refer to the recipe card for the full directions on how to create BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Evenly distribute the tortilla chips across the baking sheet and sprinkle half of the cheese on top.
Disperse the BBQ chicken evenly over the tortilla chips and cheese.
Add the black beans and corn.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake until the cheese has melted and is bubbly, with the edges of the chips turning slightly golden.
Take it out of the oven and drizzle BBQ sauce over the top. Top it off with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Recipe Tips
- Begin with half the cheese – This ensures that cheese is distributed throughout and helps to create a barrier that prevents soggy chips.
- Choose sturdy chips – Stay away from tortilla chips labeled as thin and crispy. Opt for thicker, robust chips that can handle the cheese and toppings.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you want to whip up this dish but are pressed for time, here are some tips to expedite the process!
- Purchase pre-shredded cheese – Just check the ingredients, as some pre-shredded varieties do not melt as well due to anti-caking agents. Nevertheless, your BBQ chicken nachos will turn out delicious!
- Prepare in advance – The chicken and toppings can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Plan ahead – Cook BBQ chicken for dinner a couple of days prior, making sure to prepare extra chicken to use in these BBQ chicken nachos later.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Nachos
This protein-rich meal, bursting with the delightful tastes of Mexican cuisine and BBQ sauce, pairs perfectly with a variety of your favorite Mexican or BBQ side dishes.
Select one or multiple of these side options to create a hearty, well-balanced dinner. You’ll find both traditional choices and some healthier alternatives to keep things light.
Side Dish Ideas
Recipe FAQ’s
How do you layer nachos so they don’t get soggy?
A handy tip to keep nachos from becoming soggy is to layer some cheese directly on the chips before piling on the toppings. Additionally, using sturdy, thick chips can help them withstand the cheese and toppings.
Do you put salsa on before or after cooking nachos?
Salsa should be added after the nachos have finished baking in the oven.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
You can find all of my easy chicken recipes here, or check out some of the favorite recipes from our readers below.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos
What could be better than nachos? Nachos infused with BBQ flavor! Topped with BBQ chicken and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, these nachos are sure to become a favorite for everyone. They’re simple, cheesy, and utterly scrumptious.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400˚F.
Layer corn tortilla chips across a baking sheet. Add half the cheese on top, followed by the chicken, beans, and corn. Finish with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 8-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges turn golden brown.
Take out of the oven, drizzle BBQ sauce over the nachos, and sprinkle with cilantro. Add dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo either in the center or on the side for dipping.
Recipe Notes
Substitutions:
- BBQ chicken: Any plain shredded chicken will work, though it will have less BBQ flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: You can swap this for pepper jack or Monterey Jack; both are tasty alternatives.
How to Scale: This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings or halved for smaller portions. Using one baking sheet for each batch helps keep the nachos crunchy.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 534kcal (27%), Carbohydrates: 56g (19%), Protein: 24g (48%)
Total Fat: 25g (38%), Saturated Fat: 8g (50%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.05g, Cholesterol: 63mg (21%), Sodium: 1126mg (49%), Potassium: 524mg (15%), Dietary Fiber: 6g (25%), Sugars: 6g (7%), Vitamin A: 459IU (9%), Vitamin C: 2mg (2%), Calcium: 285mg (29%), Iron: 2mg (11%)
