These BBQ Chicken Nachos blend two family favorites—nachos and barbecue chicken! Loaded with tender chicken, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, these nachos are cheesy, saucy, easy to make, and great for entertaining a crowd—perfect for family movie nights and game days.
When looking to feed a large and hungry group (or even just my family!), sheet pan nachos are always a go-to. I’ve shared various recipes like 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 beautifully, and they are incredibly simple to make. Best of all, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick & easy – You can put together this BBQ chicken nachos recipe in just 20 minutes!
- Great for using leftovers – This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover chicken. I often prepare a big batch of BBQ chicken for dinner earlier in the week and then repurpose the leftovers into these nachos a few days later.
- Ideal for game days – Who doesn’t love nachos during game days?!
- Family favorite – Everyone gets excited when BBQ chicken nachos are on the menu!
Recipe Notes
This BBQ Chicken Nachos recipe is just as easy as promised! In only 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious family-friendly meal.
In this section, I’ll share some tips and tricks for making BBQ Chicken Nachos to ensure the best and most flavorful results.
Make sure to scroll to the end for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the nachos:
- Tortilla chips – Opt for your favorite brand, but I suggest using a thicker, sturdier chip to handle all the delicious toppings.
- BBQ chicken – Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, or my 30-Minute Baked BBQ Chicken are all excellent choices for shredded chicken nachos.
- Cheddar – Choose mild, medium, or sharp cheddar based on your personal preference.
- Black beans – One can, rinsed and drained.
- Corn – One can of corn, drained, adds a splash of color and freshness to the dish.
For the toppings:
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand or create your own homemade version.
- Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves enhances both appearance and flavor.
- Pico de gallo – You can either buy it ready-made or make your own easy homemade version (it’s quite simple!).
- Guacamole – You can also purchase it or prepare your own quick homemade batch.
full-fat or lighter options, choose based on your personal taste.
Make sure to look at the recipe card at the end of this article for specific measurements and a complete ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you appreciate this recipe as much as we do and want to add some variety, try these easy suggestions!
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos– Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and drizzle with Frank’s Red Hot sauce instead of BBQ sauce.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Nachos– Opt for a spicy BBQ sauce and add generous amounts of jalapeño peppers.
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch BBQ Nachos– Begin with ranch-style chicken and mix in crispy bacon bits after baking.
Recipe Step by Step
I’ll highlight some key steps in the preparation, but make sure to consult the recipe card for complete instructions on making BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet and top with half of the cheese.
Distribute the BBQ chicken uniformly over the tortilla chips and cheese.
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Add the black beans and corn.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, with the chip edges becoming slightly golden.
Remove it from the oven and drizzle BBQ sauce on top. Finish with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Recipe Tips
- Start with half the cheese – This helps distribute the cheese evenly and forms a barrier that keeps the chips from becoming soggy.
- Select sturdy chips – Avoid tortilla chips labeled as thin and crispy. Choose thicker, durable chips that can withstand the cheese and toppings.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you aim to prepare this dish quickly, consider the following time-saving tips!
- Opt for pre-shredded cheese – Just ensure to check the ingredients, as some pre-shredded options may not melt well due to anti-caking agents. Regardless, your BBQ chicken nachos will still taste fantastic!
- Prep in advance – Prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Plan ahead – Make BBQ chicken a few days prior, preparing extra to use in these BBQ chicken nachos later on.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Nachos
This protein-packed dish, filled with the delightful flavors of Mexican cuisine and BBQ sauce, combines beautifully with a variety of your favorite Mexican or BBQ side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side options to craft a hearty, balanced meal. You’ll find both classic choices and healthier alternatives to keep your dinner light.
Side Dish Ideas
Recipe FAQs
How do you layer nachos to prevent sogginess?
To avoid soggy nachos, a useful tip is to add some cheese directly onto the chips before stacking the toppings. Additionally, selecting thick, sturdy chips can help them hold up against the cheese and other toppings.
Should salsa be added before or after cooking nachos?
Salsa should be added only after the nachos have been baked in the oven.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, consider checking out a few more quick recipes for those busy nights!
You can find all my easy chicken recipes here, or browse some reader-favorite recipes below.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos
What’s better than nachos? Nachos bursting with BBQ flavor! Loaded with BBQ chicken and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, these nachos are bound to be a hit with everyone. They’re easy to prepare, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
8
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
Spread corn tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with half the cheese, followed by the chicken, beans, and corn, and finish with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
Remove from the oven, drizzle BBQ sauce over the nachos, and add cilantro. Serve with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo either in the center or alongside for dipping.
Recipe Notes
If you can’t find BBQ chicken, you may substitute with any cooked shredded or diced chicken mixed withSubstitutions:
- BBQ chicken: Regular shredded chicken can be used, though it won’t have the same BBQ flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Alternatives like pepper jack or Monterey Jack work well too.
How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled for larger parties or reduced for smaller servings. Using one baking sheet per batch helps maintain the crispiness of the nachos.
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%)
