These Easy BBQ Chicken Nachos are a perfect choice for a quick dinner or a game-day appetizer. Combining crisp tortilla chips with shredded BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)
- ¾ cup your favorite BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 13 oz sturdy tortilla chips
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced small
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced small (adjust to taste)
- 2 ½ cups shredded Mexican-style cheese blend
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Spread about ⅔ of the tortilla chips evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Layer ⅔ of the BBQ chicken over the chips, followed by ⅔ of the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and jalapeño.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese over the layered ingredients.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining chips, chicken, vegetables, and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Nutritional Facts
Per serving:
- Calories: 702 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 77g
- Protein: 39g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
- Sodium: 914mg
- Potassium: 813mg
- Fiber: 11g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 725 IU
- Vitamin C: 11mg
- Calcium: 683mg
- Iron: 4mg
Why BBQ Chicken Nachos Are a Perfect Choice
The appeal of BBQ Chicken Nachos lies in their versatility. Not only is it a dish that can be prepared quickly, but it also offers an easy way to feed a group of people without requiring hours in the kitchen. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent, yet doesn’t require extensive culinary expertise.
Additionally, BBQ Chicken Nachos allow you to get creative with your toppings. While the basic recipe includes the classic BBQ chicken, cheese, and tortilla chips, you can easily add additional ingredients like sour cream, cilantro, guacamole, or even green onions to elevate the flavor and texture of the dish. For those who enjoy a little heat, a few sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can be a great addition to spice things up.
Another reason why BBQ Chicken Nachos are so popular is that they’re not overly complex to prepare. You don’t need specialized equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to make a delicious batch of nachos. Most of the ingredients are likely to be already present in your kitchen or pantry, making it an accessible recipe for any home cook.
The Origin of Nachos and the Popularity of BBQ Chicken
Nachos, as we know them today, originated in Mexico, but they became a sensation in the United States in the 1940s. The dish was reportedly invented by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, a maître d’ at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico. The story goes that he created the dish for a group of American soldiers who arrived at the restaurant late at night and asked for something to eat. Using what he had available, Nacho prepared tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapeños. This simple yet flavorful creation quickly gained popularity, spreading across borders and evolving into the nachos we know and love today.
While traditional nachos are typically topped with cheese, jalapeños, and sometimes ground beef, variations such as BBQ Chicken Nachos have emerged over the years. The smoky and tangy flavor of BBQ chicken pairs beautifully with the richness of melted cheese, making it a natural fit for nacho lovers looking for something new and exciting. The BBQ twist adds a unique flair to the dish and has led to BBQ Chicken Nachos becoming a beloved version of the classic.
Health Considerations for BBQ Chicken Nachos
While BBQ Chicken Nachos are delicious, it’s essential to consider the health aspects of the dish. Like many comfort foods, nachos can be high in calories, fat, and sodium, especially if consumed in large quantities. However, this dish can be made healthier with a few adjustments.
For instance, using whole-grain tortilla chips can add fiber to the dish, helping to balance out the carbohydrates. Opting for a leaner cut of chicken, such as skinless chicken breasts, reduces the fat content without compromising the flavor. Additionally, you can lower the sodium levels by using a low-sodium BBQ sauce and reducing the amount of cheese.
For those who want to increase the nutritional value of BBQ Chicken Nachos, consider adding more vegetables as toppings. Fresh tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, and even avocados can bring added vitamins and minerals to the dish. If you’re looking to make the dish lighter, consider serving it with a side of salsa or a green salad to add freshness and balance the richness of the nachos.
Why BBQ Chicken Nachos Are Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the great things about BBQ Chicken Nachos is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just having a casual family meal, BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fantastic choice. The dish is easy to prepare in large quantities, making it ideal for feeding a crowd. If you’re hosting a gathering, you can make a large pan of nachos and let guests help themselves, or you can serve individual portions for more formal occasions.
BBQ Chicken Nachos are also an excellent choice for game day parties. The combination of chips, cheese, and BBQ chicken makes it an ideal finger food that’s easy to share while you cheer on your team. If you’re hosting a watch party or tailgating, you can prepare the nachos ahead of time and heat them up in the oven before serving, ensuring you spend more time enjoying the game and less time in the kitchen.
For family meals, BBQ Chicken Nachos offer an easy and fun way to get everyone involved. Kids and adults alike will enjoy building their nacho creations, layering on their favorite toppings, and savoring the delicious combination of flavors. It’s a great way to encourage family bonding while enjoying a delicious meal together.
Customization Options
One of the best parts of BBQ Chicken Nachos is how customizable they are. The basic recipe can easily be modified to cater to different tastes, dietary preferences, and ingredient availability. For example, if you’re vegetarian or looking for a meatless version, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables, beans, or even tofu. Similarly, if you want a spicier kick, you can add extra jalapeños or incorporate hot sauce into the BBQ chicken mixture.
If you’re looking to cater to specific dietary needs, BBQ Chicken Nachos can be adapted to suit gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb diets. For a gluten-free option, simply use certified gluten-free tortilla chips. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a low-carb version, you can swap out the tortilla chips for baked zucchini or cauliflower chips, creating a lighter, veggie-packed alternative that still offers the satisfying crunch.
For those with a sweet tooth, adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on the BBQ chicken can create an interesting sweet-and-savory flavor combination that adds depth to the dish.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fantastic, crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the flavors and textures people love in nachos with the smoky goodness of BBQ chicken. Whether served as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or a main dish, they’re a perfect way to indulge in a delicious, flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, BBQ Chicken Nachos can be customized to fit any occasion or personal taste preferences.