BBQ Chicken Nachos
The perfect combination
During one of our trips through the U.S., we discovered a snack that has been a favorite ever since: BBQ Chicken Nachos.
We ordered them as an appetizer, but the portion was so huge that we didn’t need dinner afterward. Not that we minded, because these nachos were so good we couldn’t stop eating them. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and melted cheese was simply delicious.
Homemade or the easy way?
One of the best things about this dish is that you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like. For the quick and easy version, use your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce. If you want to go all out, make your own with ketchup, lemon juice, brown sugar, and a blend of spices. It takes a little more time, but trust us, it’s worth it. Slowly cooking the chicken in the seasoned barbecue sauce makes it incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Layer by layer
BBQ Chicken Nachos are built in layers. Start with a generous layer of tortilla chips, then spread the juicy shredded chicken in barbecue sauce over the top. Finish with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Cheddar is the classic choice, but a blend of cheeses works just as well. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then finish with toppings like jalapeños, green onions, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
A Mexican beer
To complete these delicious nachos, serve them with a cold Mexican beer. A refreshing Corona with a lime wedge or a Modelo Especial are both great choices. The light, crisp beer pairs perfectly with the rich, smoky flavors of the nachos. So invite some friends over, put a big platter of nachos on the table, and enjoy. Mmmm!
BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These BBQ Chicken Nachos are loaded with crispy tortilla chips, shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for game day or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2)
- 6 oz tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 red onion
- 1 bunch green onions
- 1 jalapeño pepper (optional)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Meanwhile, cook the chicken breasts in a pot of water for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Let them cool slightly, then shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
- Meanwhile, finely dice 1 small red onion and slice 1 bunch of green onions. Shred about 1 cup cheddar cheese, unless you’re using pre-shredded cheese.
- Heat a little olive oil in a skillet and cook the diced red onion for a few minutes until softened. Add the shredded chicken and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Pour in 1 cup barbecue sauce, stir everything together, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Spread a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of a baking dish (or oven-safe skillet). Top with half of the barbecue chicken, followed by a layer of shredded cheese.
- Repeat with another layer of tortilla chips, the remaining barbecue chicken, and the remaining cheese. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with the green onions, sour cream, and jalapeño slices, if desired.

- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Mexican