Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

If you love nachos packed with flavor and a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and cheesy goodness, you are absolutely going to adore these Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos. Imagine crispy tortilla chips layered with tender shredded BBQ chicken, fresh diced tomatoes, zesty jalapeños, hearty black beans, sweet corn, savory onions, and a generous blanket of melted Mexican-style cheese bringing it all together. This recipe is one of those effortless crowd-pleasers that turns any ordinary night into a festive occasion filled with comfort and irresistible taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients are the backbone of the Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos, each contributing a unique flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish truly unforgettable. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh toppings, you’ll create layers of crunchy, tangy, spicy, and cheesy magic.

• 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken: Use about 2 chicken breasts cooked and shredded for a tender, protein-packed base.
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite BBQ sauce, like Sweet Baby Ray’s, for that perfect sweet and smoky flavor.
• 13 oz tortilla chips: Choose a sturdy, crispy chip to hold all the toppings without sogginess.
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced: Adds a fresh, juicy brightness to balance the richer flavors.
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed: Brings hearty earthiness and a wonderful texture contrast.
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Sweet kernels that pop with every bite and enhance the color.
• ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion: Sharp and crunchy to cut through the gooey cheese.
• 1 jalapeño, diced, seeds removed: Offers just the right kick, but you can add more if you like it spicy.
• 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican-style cheese: A blend for that melty, gooey cheesy bliss that holds everything together.

How to Make Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray – this helps with easy cleanup and keeps everything from sticking as your nachos bake to perfection.

Step 2: Coat the Shredded Chicken in BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well until every strand of chicken is evenly coated in that luscious, tangy sauce that will be the star of these Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Spread about two-thirds of your tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet. This foundational layer will give your nachos that satisfying crunch. Then, top this layer with two-thirds of the BBQ chicken, spreading it out so each chip gets a little love. Next, sprinkle on two-thirds each of the tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and jalapeño.

Step 4: Add Cheese and the Second Layer

Generously sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese over the first layer of toppings. Then, add the rest of the chips on top, followed by the remaining BBQ chicken, vegetables, and jalapeños. Finish by topping everything with the remaining cheese for a perfect melty finish.

Step 5: Bake to Melty Perfection

Pop your assembled nachos into the oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese—it should melt and bubble over the toppings, creating a golden, irresistible blanket that invites you to dig in.

How to Serve Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

Garnishes

The right garnishes elevate Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos from delicious to downright spectacular. Consider dollops of cool sour cream, fresh avocado slices or guacamole, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a drizzle of tangy lime crema. Each garnish adds extra layers of freshness, creaminess, and pop that complement the smoky, cheesy nachos beautifully.

Side Dishes

While these nachos are hearty enough to be a full meal, pairing them with simple sides like a crisp green salad, pickled jalapeños, or a tangy coleslaw can balance out the richness and keep the meal feeling fresh and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos in individual mini cast-iron skillets or layered in clear glass baking dishes so guests can admire the colorful layers. You can also provide small bowls of extra toppings and dips, turning it into a lively build-your-own nacho bar that’s perfect for game day or casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the chips may lose some crispness, but reheating with care can bring back some of that crunch.

Freezing

Because of the chips, freezing Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos isn’t ideal as the texture won’t be the same after thawing. Instead, freeze the shredded BBQ chicken separately if you want to prep ahead, and assemble fresh nachos when ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the nachos on a baking sheet and warm in a 350ºF oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps melt the cheese again and revive the crispy texture better than a microwave will.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for these nachos?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly for these Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos. Just shred it and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce.

What if I don’t like spicy jalapeños?

You can easily leave out the jalapeños or substitute them with a milder pepper like poblano or sweet bell pepper. The nachos are still delicious with just a little tweak in heat.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add more black beans, corn, and maybe some grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also add plant-based BBQ “chicken” alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version.

What’s the best cheese to use?

A Mexican-style cheese blend typically contains cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla, which melt beautifully. Feel free to use what you have on hand as long as it melts well and has a nice flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just use a larger baking sheet or two pans to ensure even baking and plenty of nachos for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about these Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos that makes them a go-to for so many occasions. They bring together a fantastic mix of textures and flavors that satisfy every craving from savory and smoky to fresh and tangy. Whether it’s game night, a casual dinner, or just because you deserve a treat, diving into this cheesy, colorful plate will be pure joy. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, assemble those layers, and get ready to fall in love with Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos all over again!

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

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Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos are a flavorful and hearty appetizer or easy weeknight dinner featuring crispy tortilla chips layered with shredded BBQ chicken, fresh vegetables, black beans, corn, jalapeños, and plenty of melted Mexican-style cheese. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, this recipe combines smoky, tangy, and spicy elements with a satisfying cheesy finish.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)
• ¾ cup your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)

Other Ingredients

• 13 oz favorite tortilla chips
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced small
• 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced small (add more to taste)
• 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican Style cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, mixing well to coat all the chicken evenly.
3. Layer Base Chips: Spread two-thirds of the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet, reaching to the edges for good coverage.
4. Add First Toppings: Evenly distribute two-thirds of the BBQ chicken over the chips, followed by two-thirds each of the diced tomatoes, black beans, thawed corn, chopped red onion, and diced jalapeño.
5. Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded Mexican-style cheese over this first layer of toppings.
6. Add Second Layer: Repeat by placing the remaining tortilla chips on top. Layer with the rest of the chicken, tomatoes, beans, corn, onion, jalapeño, and finish by topping with the remaining shredded cheese and extra jalapeños if desired.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Notes

• You can adjust jalapeño quantity based on desired spice level.
• Use freshly shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
• Adding guacamole, sour cream, or salsa as toppings can enhance flavor.
• This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve different group sizes.
• Leftover nachos can be refrigerated and reheated, but are best enjoyed fresh.