BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe
BBQ Chicken Nachos are a mouthwatering treat perfect for gatherings, game nights, or simply a cozy evening at home. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of barbecued chicken with crunchy tortilla chips, making it a deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Whether you’re hosting friends for a big game, planning a movie night, or just craving a snack, BBQ Chicken Nachos are an excellent choice. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with flavor. Plus, everyone can enjoy their favorite toppings, allowing for a personal touch in every bite. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings fun and taste together, making it ideal for sharing!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos
Making BBQ Chicken Nachos is straightforward and fun. You’ll layer ingredients on crispy tortilla chips, bake until melted and bubbly, and then add your favorite toppings. Let’s dive right into the process!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
- 18 ounces tortilla chips (1 large bag)
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- 1½ cups canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1½ cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Ranch dressing
- Chopped jalapeno peppers
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded/pulled chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.
- On a baking sheet, create a base layer with tortilla chips, spreading them out evenly.
- Layer on the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by red onion, black beans, corn, and finally, the smoked gouda cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and finish topping your nachos with cilantro and chopped jalapeño peppers. Drizzle ranch dressing and extra BBQ sauce over the top.
Pro Tips for Success BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. It adds flavor and cuts down on cooking time.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- Opt for a combination of cheese for extra flavor, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack along with gouda.
- Serve immediately after baking to ensure the chips maintain their crunch!
- For a gourmet touch, add avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole.
- If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding some hot sauce to the BBQ chicken for a kick.
Flavor Variations BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Replace the BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a zesty twist. Top with blue cheese crumbles for flavor.
- Vegetarian Nachos: Skip the chicken and use extra beans, corn, and vegetables like bell peppers and sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Mexican Fiesta Nachos: Substitute BBQ sauce with salsa and add toppings like guacamole and sour cream for a taqueria-style twist.
- Tex-Mex Nachos: Incorporate jalapeños into the chicken mixture and use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Breakfast Nachos: Add scrambled eggs and chorizo in place of the chicken for a fun breakfast variation!
Serving Suggestions BBQ Chicken Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos make for an enticing appetizer, but they can also serve as a main course for a light meal. Pair them with refreshing beverages like iced tea or lemonade for a sunny afternoon snack. You can also offer sides such as a simple green salad or coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the nachos.
Storage and Freezing Instructions BBQ Chicken Nachos
While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply layer the nachos in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven until heated through.
Freezing nachos is not recommended as the tortilla chips will lose their texture. However, if you have leftover BBQ chicken, you can freeze it separately for future use. Just be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it before making your nachos again.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About BBQ Chicken Nachos
Can I use different types of cheese for BBQ Chicken Nachos?
Absolutely! While smoked gouda adds a unique flavor, you can mix it with other cheeses like shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack. Each type brings its own taste and texture to the dish, making it fun to experiment.
How do I make BBQ Chicken Nachos healthier?
To create a healthier version, consider using baked tortilla chips instead of regular ones, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables like bell peppers and spinach. Using low-sodium canned beans and BBQ sauce can also help in lowering calories and sodium content.
Can BBQ Chicken Nachos be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time! Chop your veggies, mix the chicken with BBQ sauce, and store everything in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble and bake the nachos right before serving for the best texture.
What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Nachos?
BBQ Chicken Nachos pair well with a range of sides. Consider serving them with fresh salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. A simple green salad or some grilled vegetables would also complement the flavors beautifully.
How can I add more spice to the BBQ Chicken Nachos?
To amp up the heat, you can mix diced jalapeños into the chicken mix or top the nachos with sliced spicy peppers right before serving. Additionally, using spicy BBQ sauce or adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or hot sauce can elevate the spiciness.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Nachos are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various tastes and occasions. With a few ingredients and a simple process, you can create a dish that’s bound to delight your friends and family. So, whether you’re cheering for your favorite team, hosting a casual gathering, or enjoying a movie night, this recipe promises to be a hit. Grab your tortilla chips, and let’s get cooking!
Print
BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
BBQ Chicken Nachos are a mouthwatering treat perfect for gatherings or a cozy evening at home, combining smoky barbecued chicken with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
- 18 ounces tortilla chips (1 large bag)
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- 1½ cups canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1½ cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Ranch dressing
- Chopped jalapeno peppers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, stirring until fully coated.
- On a baking sheet, create a base layer with tortilla chips, spreading them evenly.
- Layer on the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by red onion, black beans, corn, and smoked gouda cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with cilantro and chopped jalapeño peppers. Drizzle with ranch dressing and extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and opt for a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American