Best Recipe for BBQ Chicken Nachos

If you want to make a dinner out of nachos, this is how. They’re loaded with avocado chunks, juicy tomatoes and corn, and bbq sauce-smothered chicken. I used chicken nuggets because that’s what I had on hand, but shredded chicken is more traditional.  They’ll be a guaranteed hit with who ever is lucky enough to indulge in this melty cheese fest, and they’re ready in 30 minutes. Some of the chips stay perfectly crisp, while others softened from the melted cheese, juicy tomatoes and corn, and the saucy nuggets.

The balance of crispy and crunchy, tempered with soft and chewy, is just perfect. Every bite is total comfort food, and I’ll happily skip dinner for these. I love eating food that’s rich in color, and the pops of green, orange, and red draw me in. And the subtle texture from the avocado, corn, and tomato are welcome against the soft, gooey cheese. Having some ‘vegetables’ at every meal is a good thing, too. That is, if you can call corn a vegetable. And avocado and tomatoes are really fruits, but who’s counting. Especially when you’re having nachos for dinner. The flavor from the bbq sauce gently permeates the dish, and everything takes on a smoky yet slightly sweet with heat quality. Make sure you like the bbq you choose and I loved this one.

Ingredients in BBQ Chicken Nachos 

To make this bbq chicken nachos recipe, you’ll need: 

Shredded chicken or chicken nuggets Bbq sauce Corn tortilla chips Shredded cheese Diced tomato Cubed avocado Corn Black beans (optional)  Red bell pepper (optional)  Jalapeño (optional)  Black olives (optional) 

How to Make BBQ Chicken Nachos

This recipe for bbq chicken nachos couldn’t be any simpler! Follow these easy steps: 

Nacho Toppings to Try

I don’t think the bbq nachos need additional toppings because there are already so many great flavors, but it can’t hurt if you hoard condiments like I do and have any or all on hand!  Try toppings you bbq chicken nachos with one or more of the following: 

Sour cream Salsa Pico de gallo Guacamole  Hot sauce (like Cholula)  Shredded lettuce 

Recipe Variations for BBQ Nachos 

This is a flexible recipe, so mix and match toppings as you see fit! 

Chicken: Use shredded chicken, chicken nuggets, or a vegan chicken alternative.  Tortilla chips: Use store-bought or homemade corn tortilla chips.  Cheese: Any kind of shredded cheese will work, including vegan cheese.  Veggies: Load up your nachos with anything you have on hand! 

Tips for the Best BBQ Nachos

The chicken needs a healthy soak in a bbq sauce bath for a few minutes for flavor. This keeps the chicken juicy and saucy during baking. I used TJ’s Carolina Gold bbq sauce, which is new to me. There’s a touch of molasses, and it’s a little sweet with a slight kick. My daughter doesn’t like sauces that are too hot and this one wasn’t. The recipe is highly adaptable and if you want to add a handful of black beans, refried beans, jalepenos, bell peppers, bean and corn salsa, or anything else you love on your nachos, go for it. Don’t like avocado? Omit.

More Easy Nacho Recipes: 

Loaded Shredded Chicken Nachos — Juicy chicken soaked in enchilada sauce with black beans, corn, peppers, cilantro, and more!! Cheesy, gooey perfection and READY in 5 minutes! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!

Loaded Nachos with Beef — EASY, ready in 15 minutes, and LOADED with taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, cilantro, and lots of CHEESE!! Great for parties, game days, after school snacks, or a cheat night dinner!!

Loaded Guacamole Nachos — The big pile of creamy, fresh, homemade guacamole makes the nachos truly irresistible! 

Beef Tater Tot-Chos – Crispy tater tots topped with taco-seasoned ground beef and melted cheese is a DELICIOUS and fun twist on nachos!! EASY, ready in no time, and perfect for PARTIES!!

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