BBQ Chicken Nachos are a heavenly creation that combines the smoky, savory essence of barbecue chicken with the crispy, cheesy joy of nachos. You can almost hear the crackling sound of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and succulent chicken as they come out of the oven. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos & Mexican Nachos</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
- How do I prevent soggy nachos?
- Can I make BBQ Chicken Nachos ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
These nachos are perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy movie night when comfort food is a must. Every bite offers a delightful crunch followed by bursts of flavor that will have you going back for seconds—or thirds—before you even realize it.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- BBQ Chicken Nachos are not just delicious; they are effortless to prepare and bring everyone together
- Their colorful presentation makes them a party favorite that never fails to impress
- You can easily adapt the toppings to cater to various tastes, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied
- Plus, they are perfect for sharing—or hoarding all to yourself if you’re feeling cheeky!
I remember the first time I made BBQ Chicken Nachos for my friends during a weekend get-together. They were so good that we spent more time devouring them than actually watching the game.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust for your hungry crowd!
Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Choose a tangy or sweet sauce based on your taste preferences.
Tortilla Chips: Opt for thick-cut chips; they hold up better under all those toppings.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully, creating gooey perfection.
Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, these add a spicy kick that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Sour Cream: A dollop on top cools down the heat and adds creaminess.
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color to your nachos.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos & Mexican Nachos
Prepare yourself for an exciting culinary adventure as we transform simple ingredients into an irresistible dish!
Cook the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned chicken breasts until no longer pink inside—about 6-8 minutes per side. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked and cooled slightly, shred the chicken using two forks until it resembles fluffy clouds of deliciousness. Toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce until every shred is coated like it’s ready for its red-carpet moment.
Layer It Up!: Grab a large baking sheet and spread out those crunchy tortilla chips like a canvas waiting for art. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese over the chips before gently placing shredded chicken on top.
Add More Goodness!: Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the chicken like icing on a cake. Then top with remaining cheese and sliced jalapeños for that extra zing—because why not?
Bake It All Together!: Slide your baking sheet into the oven and let it bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it; we want gooey perfection without any burnt edges!
Garnish and Serve!: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle chopped green onions on top. Serve hot with sour cream on the side so everyone can dive in while still warm.
With each step, you’ll create layers of flavors that will delight both your eyes and taste buds—get ready for some serious nacho love!
You Must Know
- BBQ Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days or casual gatherings
- Layering your toppings strategically ensures every bite is packed with flavor, and using quality chips prevents sogginess
- The aroma of melted cheese and smoky BBQ will have everyone flocking to the table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Cook the chicken first, then layer chips, chicken, and cheese before baking for ultimate gooeyness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for pulled pork or black beans for a vegetarian option. Add jalapeños for heat or guacamole for creaminess.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your BBQ Chicken Nachos reach perfection, avoid overloading chips to prevent sogginess
- Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors and experiment with different cheeses for depth
- Remember, sharing is caring unless you’re hiding them from your friends!
Making these nachos reminds me of a Sunday football game where my friends devoured them faster than I could make more—definitely a hit!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought BBQ sauce saves time while still delivering great flavor.
How do I prevent soggy nachos?
Layer your nachos correctly and avoid excessive toppings on each chip.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Nachos ahead of time?
Yes, prepare ingredients in advance; just assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in BBQ Chicken Nachos, where smoky barbecue chicken meets crispy tortilla chips and gooey cheese for an irresistible snack. Perfect for game day and gatherings, these nachos are easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Customize the toppings to suit everyone’s taste, ensuring a delightful crunch and bursts of flavor with every bite. Get ready for a cheesy, savory experience that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce
- 8 oz thick-cut tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until no longer pink inside (internal temperature of 165°F). Let cool slightly, then shred the chicken.
- Toss shredded chicken in BBQ sauce until well coated.
- On a large baking sheet, layer tortilla chips evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chips, then add shredded chicken on top.
- Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the chicken, followed by the remaining cheese and sliced jalapeños.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot with sour cream on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg





