The Ultimate Homemade BBQ Chicken Nachos: A Flavorful Feast for Any Occasion
If you’re searching for an appetizer that truly wows, or a ridiculously easy and flavorful dinner, these BBQ Chicken Nachos are guaranteed to be a hit. This incredible dish features layers of tender, freshly roasted chicken, coated in a rich, tangy, and smoky homemade BBQ sauce, all piled high on crispy tortilla chips and smothered with melty cheese and fresh scallions. Every single bite is bursting with an irresistible combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making this recipe a perfect choice for game day, family gatherings, or a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.
Nachos are a timeless classic, a beloved staple found on menus everywhere. Their universal appeal lies in their incredible versatility, offering countless ways to customize with an endless array of ingredients. As a huge enthusiast of both barbecue (much like these BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches) and nachos in general, I decided to combine these two culinary passions into one unforgettable dish. The result? These incredibly easy-to-make BBQ Chicken Nachos that bring together the best of both worlds.
What makes these nachos truly special is the homemade BBQ sauce. While store-bought options are convenient, crafting your own sauce allows you to control the depth of flavor, sweetness, and tanginess, elevating your nachos from good to absolutely extraordinary. Paired with perfectly shredded chicken, this recipe promises a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
Crafting Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Nachos
Making these BBQ Chicken Nachos is surprisingly straightforward, involving a few simple steps that build layers of incredible flavor. Let’s dive into the process:
Step 1: Preparing the Tender Shredded Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Drizzle your bone-in chicken breasts with a little olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, and if you like, a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for added flavor.
- Bake the chicken for approximately 35 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking bone-in chicken helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This tender, juicy chicken will be the star of your nachos. Set it aside for assembly.
Step 2: The Secret to Amazing Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients for your homemade BBQ sauce: ketchup, water, rich molasses, savory Worcestershire sauce, tangy vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a deep, complex, and perfectly balanced BBQ sauce that will truly set your nachos apart.
Step 3: Layering for Nacho Perfection
- Assemble: Once your chicken is shredded and your BBQ sauce is ready, it’s time to build your masterpiece. First, in a bowl, add about three-quarters of your freshly made BBQ sauce to the shredded chicken and mix it thoroughly until every piece is coated. If you like a little kick, this is a great time to add a dash of chili powder to the chicken.
- Next, arrange your tortilla chips on an oven-safe tray or platter. Be sure to choose sturdy chips that can hold up to the delicious toppings.
- Evenly spread the BBQ chicken over the chips. Follow this with a generous layer of your favorite shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works wonderfully), and sprinkle with a portion of the chopped scallions. Finally, drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Bake the assembled nachos for 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C), or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the chips are slightly crispy.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve with Flair
- Garnish and Serve: As soon as they come out of the oven, garnish your hot and cheesy BBQ Chicken Nachos with a few more fresh scallions for a pop of color and a hint of oniony freshness.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly gooey and the chips are crisp.
Tips & Creative Variations for Your BBQ Chicken Nachos
One of the best things about nachos is their adaptability. Here are some tips and variations to customize your BBQ Chicken Nachos to perfection:
Kick Up the Heat: Spicy Nacho Options
- If you love a spicy kick, there are several ways to infuse heat into your nachos. Add finely diced or thinly sliced fresh jalapeños directly onto the layers. For a milder but still flavorful heat, consider using pickled jalapeños.
- A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken or cheese before baking can also add a nice warmth. Alternatively, opt for a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack or even a homemade spicy queso sauce.
Exploring Different Protein Choices
- While chicken is fantastic, you can certainly substitute other proteins. Pulled pork is a natural and delicious alternative that pairs exceptionally well with BBQ sauce.
- If you’re considering other meats, be mindful of how their flavor profiles will interact with the BBQ sauce. Ground beef or turkey can work, but you might want to season them with BBQ-friendly spices before cooking. For a vegetarian option, seasoned black beans or lentils can be a great substitute for the chicken.
Beyond the Basics: Ultimate Topping Additions
- Nachos are all about the toppings! Feel free to load yours with all your favorite additions. Popular choices include shredded lettuce for crunch, diced tomatoes for freshness, black olives, corn kernels, or additional beans (like black beans or pinto beans).
- Creamy additions like a dollop of sour cream or fresh guacamole (or sliced avocado) can provide a cooling contrast to the richness of the BBQ chicken and cheese. Fresh cilantro is also an excellent herb to sprinkle on top for a vibrant finish. Just ensure any fresh, wet toppings are added *after* baking to prevent sogginess.
Smart Prep: Make-Ahead Strategies
- To save time, especially when entertaining, you can prepare the homemade BBQ sauce in advance. Store it in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or even longer. This makes assembling the nachos even quicker on the day you plan to serve them.
- You can also cook and shred the chicken ahead of time, storing it in the fridge. It will heat up perfectly when you bake the assembled nachos.
Speeding Up the Process: Quick Chicken Options
- If you’re in a hurry, store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend. Simply shred the meat and mix it with the BBQ sauce.
- Leftover cooked chicken breasts or thighs can also be quickly shredded and used. The chicken will get nice and warm during the nacho baking process, so there’s no need to reheat it beforehand.
The Secret to Avoiding Soggy Nachos
No one wants soggy nachos! The best way to ensure your tortilla chips stay wonderfully crispy is by strategically layering your ingredients. The key is to create a shield between the chips and any liquid components.
Always start by placing your protein (in this case, the delicious BBQ chicken) directly on top of the chips. The meat acts as a fantastic barrier, protecting the chips from getting saturated. After the protein, add any solid ingredients like diced peppers, onions, or beans. Finally, end with your liquid ingredients, such as cheese sauce, salsa, or your final drizzle of BBQ sauce. Baking at a higher temperature for a shorter duration also helps to crisp the chips and melt the cheese without over-saturating them.
Choosing the Perfect Cheese for Nachos
When it comes to cheese for nachos, personal preference reigns supreme! You can honestly use any cheese you adore. However, for the ultimate nacho experience, a rich and creamy queso sauce will always be my top recommendation. Its smooth, molten texture coats every chip and topping perfectly.
Beyond queso, classic choices like shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild), Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack are incredibly popular due to their excellent melting properties and mild, savory flavors that complement a wide range of toppings. A blend of these cheeses often provides the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and melt. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a hint of spice or even a smoked Gouda for a unique flavor twist that pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These BBQ Chicken Nachos are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad or a fresh coleslaw can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the nachos. For drinks, cold beer, iced tea, or even a refreshing lemonade would be excellent companions. Don’t forget to have extra napkins on hand – these messy, delicious nachos are definitely a hands-on experience!
Why These BBQ Chicken Nachos Will Be Your New Favorite
In summary, these homemade BBQ Chicken Nachos are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. They combine the smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors of barbecue with the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic nachos. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to suit any taste or occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving a delicious and comforting meal, these nachos promise a burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more.
If you decide to give these tasty Homemade BBQ Chicken Nachos a try, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts and any creative twists you added in the comments below!
Other Appetizer Dishes You’ll Love:
- Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
- Baked Buffalo Wings
- Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Crab Stuffed Peppers
Connect with Cooked by Julie
You can find more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on Youtube and Facebook.
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Save RecipeSaved Recipe
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- 3 tbsp water
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- splash of Worcestershire sauce
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 bone-in chicken breasts
- tortilla chips
- 1-2 cups cheddar cheese or spicy queso
- 2 tbsp green onions
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
-
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
-
Place the chicken in the oven and cook for 35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
-
Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
-
To make the BBQ sauce, place the ketchup, water, molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Season the chicken with chili powder if you’d like, then add 3/4s of the BBQ sauce to the chicken. Mix until well combined.
-
Place the chips on an oven-safe platter and top it with the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, scallions, and the remaining BBQ sauce.
-
Bake at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
-
Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!