These BBQ Chicken Nachos meld two family favorites – nachos and barbecue chicken! Featuring succulent chicken, cheddar cheese, fresh veggies, and a generous drizzle of BBQ sauce, these loaded nachos are cheesy, saucy, easy to make, and perfect for entertaining a crowd – making them a go-to for family movie nights and game days.
When it comes to feeding a large group (or my family!), sheet pan nachos are always my top choice. I’ve shared recipes like chicken fajita nachos and crispy carnitas nachos before, and now I’m excited to present BBQ chicken nachos!
The tastes in these BBQ-pulled chicken nachos come together beautifully, and they’re remarkably simple to make. Most importantly, they’re loved by everyone!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Quick & easy – This BBQ chicken nacho recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes!
- Excellent for using leftovers – This recipe brilliantly utilizes leftover chicken. I often make a large batch of BBQ chicken for dinner earlier in the week and transform the leftovers into these nachos a couple of days later.
- Ideal for game days – Nachos on game days are a classic favorite!
- Family favorite – Everyone cheers when BBQ chicken nachos appear on the menu!
Recipe Notes
In this section, I’ll share a few tips and tricks to help you prepare the best and most flavorful BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Don’t forget to scroll to the bottom for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the nachos:
- Tortilla chips – Opt for your preferred brand, but I suggest a thicker, sturdier chip to hold up to all the delicious toppings.
- BBQ chicken – Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, or my 30-Minute Baked BBQ Chicken for shredded chicken nachos.
- Cheddar – Choose from mild, medium, or sharp cheddar according to your taste.
- Black beans – One can, rinsed and drained.
- Corn – A can of corn, drained, adds vibrant color and freshness to the dish.
For the toppings:
- BBQ sauce – Use your favorite brand or make your own homemade BBQ sauce.
- Cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves adds a wonderful touch of color and taste.
- Pico de gallo – Available pre-made or easily prepared at home (it’s quite simple!).
- Guacamole – You can purchase it or quickly make your own batch.
Remember to check the recipe card at the end of this post for detailed measurements and a complete ingredient list.
Recipe Variations
If you enjoy this recipe as much as I do and want to explore some quick variations, these simple suggestions can add the variety you desire!
- Buffalo Chicken Nachos– Make Crockpot Buffalo Chicken and drizzle with Frank’s Red Hot sauce instead of BBQ sauce.
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Nachos– Use a spicy BBQ sauce and toss in lots of jalapeños.
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch BBQ Nachos– Start with ranch-baked chicken and sprinkle on crispy bacon bits once baked.
Recipe Step by Step
I will highlight some key steps in the process, but be sure to refer to the recipe card for the complete directions on how to make BBQ Chicken Nachos.
To prepare, begin by adding the black beans and corn to your nachos.
Next, sprinkle cheese over the tortilla chips in the baking dish to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Sprinkle the leftover cheese evenly on top.
Recipe Tips
- Start with half the cheese – This practice ensures the cheese is evenly distributed and acts as a shield to help prevent the chips from becoming soggy.
- Select sturdy chips – Avoid using tortilla chips marked as thin and crispy. Instead, pick thicker and more durable chips that can withstand the cheese and toppings.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you’re eager to prepare this dish but short on time, consider these tips to speed up the process!
- Buy pre-shredded cheese – Just ensure to check the ingredient list, as some pre-shredded options might not melt well due to added anti-caking agents. Nonetheless, your BBQ chicken nachos will still taste fantastic!
- Make ahead – Chicken and toppings can be prepared in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Plan in advance – Cook BBQ chicken a few days earlier for dinner, ensuring you prepare extra chicken for these BBQ chicken nachos later.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Nachos
This protein-packed dish, laden with the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine mixed with BBQ sauce, complements a wide range of your favorite Mexican or BBQ sides.
Choose one or more of the following side options to craft a filling, balanced meal. You’ll discover both traditional and healthier options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
Recipe FAQs
How do you layer nachos so they don’t get soggy?
A great way to prevent nachos from getting soggy is by layering some cheese directly on the chips before adding the toppings. In addition, opting for thick, sturdy chips can help them hold up better against the cheese and toppings.
Do you put salsa on before or after cooking nachos?
It’s best to add salsa after the nachos have completed baking.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I invite you to explore a few more easy options for those busy evenings.
You can find all of my simple chicken recipes here, or take a look at some of the most beloved recipes from our readers below.
