These Simple BBQ Chicken Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack—crispy tortilla chips layered with tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering, feeding a hungry family, or looking for a quick weeknight treat, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These nachos come together in under 30 minutes and combine bold barbecue flavor with melty, cheesy goodness. They’re customizable, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Using pre-cooked chicken makes prep a breeze, while the layering method ensures that every bite is loaded with taste and texture. Serve them with sour cream for a cool contrast, or add more toppings to suit your personal preference.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cooked and shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 10 oz sturdy tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly over the chips.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, followed by the sliced jalapeños.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and top with chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with sour cream on the side or drizzled over the top.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 510 kcal
Variations
- Add beans or corn: Black beans, corn kernels, or both make great additions for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap the cheese: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a twist on the classic cheese blend.
- Go vegetarian: Replace the chicken with seasoned jackfruit or roasted vegetables for a meatless version.
- More toppings: Add diced red onion, avocado, green onions, or a squeeze of lime after baking.
- Drizzle options: Use ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or extra BBQ sauce in place of or alongside sour cream.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though chips may soften.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to re-crisp, or microwave for a quick option.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the BBQ chicken in advance and store separately until ready to assemble and bake.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly for this recipe.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Use your favorite brand or flavor—sweet, smoky, or spicy varieties all work well.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Use thick, sturdy chips and avoid adding wet ingredients before baking. Bake immediately after assembling.
Can I make these in a toaster oven?
Yes, scale the recipe down to fit your toaster oven tray and bake at the same temperature.
Are these nachos spicy?
They can be. Adjust the amount of jalapeños to your preferred spice level or omit them entirely.
What kind of cheese melts best?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack both melt well and add great flavor. A Mexican blend also works nicely.
Can I freeze the BBQ chicken?
Yes, freeze the shredded BBQ chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Should I layer the ingredients?
For even flavor distribution, layering works best. You can build a second layer of chips, chicken, and cheese if using a deep dish.
Can I serve these as a meal?
Absolutely. With protein, carbs, and dairy, they can stand alone as a satisfying main dish.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Spread the chips in a single layer and avoid overloading with toppings. Broil for the last 1–2 minutes if desired.
Conclusion
Simple BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fast, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings people together. With crispy chips, smoky-sweet chicken, gooey cheese, and a kick of heat from jalapeños, they hit all the right notes for a casual yet satisfying meal or snack. Customize them to your taste and enjoy a comfort-food classic that’s always a hit.
PrintSimple BBQ Chicken Nachos
These BBQ Chicken Nachos are loaded with shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro—all baked over crispy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cooked and shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 10 oz sturdy tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- Spread tortilla chips evenly across the baking sheet.
- Layer BBQ chicken evenly over the chips, followed by shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with sour cream on the side or drizzled over the top.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Customize with diced red onions, black beans, or corn for added flavor and texture.
- Serve with lime wedges or guacamole for extra zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg