Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Introduction

Barbecue Chicken Nachos take your nacho game to the next level with a smoky, savory twist! Piled high with tender barbecue chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortilla chips, these nachos are the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. The balance of smoky barbecue sauce and rich cheese creates an irresistible combination that will leave everyone reaching for more.

I remember the first time I made these for a game day party. The plate was empty within minutes, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about the flavors. What’s great about Barbecue Chicken Nachos is how customizable they are. You can top them with all your favorite nacho toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, and guacamole, or keep them simple with just chicken and cheese for that perfect bite.

Whether you’re serving them as a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing snack for a party, these nachos are sure to be a hit every time! They’re easy to make and even easier to devour.

Perfect for:

• Game day
• Family gatherings
• Quick meals
• Movie nights
• BBQ lovers

Why You’ll Love This Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Here’s why Barbecue Chicken Nachos will become your new favorite dish:

• Cheesy and Melty: The gooey melted cheese over the chips and chicken creates a decadent, comforting bite every time.
• Flavorful Chicken: The barbecue chicken is juicy and packed with smoky, tangy flavors that take these nachos to the next level.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings like jalapeños, onions, or avocado for an extra flavor boost.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can have these nachos ready in no time.
• Perfect for Sharing: These nachos are perfect for serving a crowd, making them an ideal choice for parties or casual get-togethers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Barbecue Chicken Nachos:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 10-12 cups tortilla chips
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)
• Guacamole or avocado slices, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shredded Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy while adding flavor and moisture to the nachos.
• Barbecue Sauce: The sweet, tangy barbecue sauce is the star ingredient, infusing the chicken and nachos with a rich, smoky flavor.
• Cheese: A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives you that perfect combination of sharpness and meltiness.
• Toppings: Customize the nachos with your favorite toppings like beans, onions, and jalapeños, adding an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Barbecue Chicken Nachos:

Prepare the Chicken and Nachos:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Chicken and Barbecue Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until well-coated. Set aside.
3. Arrange the Tortilla Chips: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the chips are evenly distributed for the best coverage of toppings.
4. Add the Chicken and Toppings: Evenly distribute the barbecue chicken on top of the tortilla chips. If you’re using black beans, onion, or jalapeños, scatter them over the chicken.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese generously over the chips and chicken.

Bake and Serve:

6. Bake the Nachos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chips are golden brown.
7. Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. You can also add dollops of sour cream, guacamole, or avocado slices for extra creaminess and flavor.

How to Serve Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Barbecue Chicken Nachos are a fun, shareable dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Main Dish: These nachos can be a filling meal on their own, perfect for a casual dinner or lunch.
• As an Appetizer: Serve these nachos as an appetizer at your next party, game day, or family gathering.
• With Dips: Offer sour cream, guacamole, or salsa as additional dipping options to complement the nachos.
• With a Side Salad: Serve these nachos alongside a refreshing salad for a more balanced meal.

Additional Tips for Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Here are some tips to ensure your Barbecue Chicken Nachos turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a lot of flavor to the nachos.
• Don’t Overload the Chips: Be mindful not to overload the chips with too many toppings to ensure they stay crispy.
• Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite nacho toppings, such as avocado, olives, or corn, for variety.
• Use a Mixture of Cheeses: Using both cheddar and mozzarella cheese gives you the best melt and flavor balance.
• Layer for Better Coverage: Layer the chips, chicken, and cheese in two stages for even distribution of toppings and better melt.
• Keep an Eye on the Oven: Nachos can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time.

Recipe Variations for Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Here are 10 variations you can try for Barbecue Chicken Nachos:

• Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Replace the barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy version.
• Pulled Pork Nachos: Swap the chicken for pulled pork for a different twist on this barbecue dish.
• Vegetarian Nachos: Skip the meat and load the nachos with black beans, corn, roasted peppers, and other veggies.
• Spicy BBQ Chicken Nachos: Add extra pickled jalapeños or hot sauce to the barbecue chicken mixture for an extra kick.
• Cheesy Bacon Nachos: Top the nachos with crumbled cooked bacon for an added savory crunch.
• BBQ Chicken and Pineapple Nachos: Add chunks of grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory flavor combo.
• Tex-Mex Nachos: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken before baking and add jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and lettuce after baking.
• BBQ Chicken and Avocado Nachos: Add sliced or mashed avocado for a creamy contrast to the smoky barbecue flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Nacho Fries: Swap the tortilla chips for crispy fries for a fun twist on the classic.
• Grilled BBQ Chicken Nachos: Grill the chicken before adding the barbecue sauce for an extra smoky flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Barbecue Chicken Nachos

• Freezing: While nachos are best fresh, you can freeze leftover chicken. Simply freeze the chicken with barbecue sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat before adding to fresh chips.
• Storage: Leftover nachos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To reheat, place them in a warm oven (350°F/175°C) for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted again. Note that the chips may lose their crunch when reheated.

Special Equipment for Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Barbecue Chicken Nachos easier:

• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet is essential for spreading the chips and toppings evenly.
• Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil: Lining your baking sheet makes cleanup easier and helps prevent sticking.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium bowl for tossing the chicken with the barbecue sauce.
• Oven Mitts: For safely removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurement of the ingredients, especially the cheese and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions for Barbecue Chicken Nachos

1. Can I use a different type of sauce?
   Yes, you can substitute the barbecue sauce with other sauces like buffalo sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce.
2. Can I make the chicken in advance?
   Yes, you can cook and shred the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the nachos.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, just cook them thoroughly before shredding.
4. What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?
   You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicier version.
5. How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?
   Layer the nachos in stages and be mindful of not overloading them with toppings. Keep them on a baking sheet to maintain their crispiness.

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Conclusion

Barbecue Chicken Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, blending smoky, savory flavors with cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s sure to satisfy everyone. They’re simple to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any gathering. Whether you serve them as a main dish, snack, or appetizer, these nachos are guaranteed to be a hit.

Top them off with your favorite ingredients and make them your own, creating the perfect combination for your taste buds.

I’d love to see how your Barbecue Chicken Nachos turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!