These Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fun twist on a classic favorite! They are loaded with crispy tortilla chips, smoky BBQ chicken, and lots of gooey cheese.
You can top them with your favorite goodies like jalapeños, onions, or sour cream. I love making these for movie nights—everyone can snag a chip and enjoy the cheesy goodness! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Standard tortilla chips work fine, but if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider baked tortilla chips or even homemade ones. Just fry or bake corn tortillas cut into triangles for the freshest taste.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can use any cooked chicken, or for a vegetarian twist, try using black beans or a meat substitute to keep it hearty while still delicious.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce provides that smoky flavor. You can use any brand you like! If you’re into spicy dishes, consider adding a bit of hot sauce or using a spicy BBQ sauce. For a homemade option, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and some spices.
Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers great flavor and meltability. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese that melts well. For lower fat, consider using part-skim mozzarella.
How Do I Make Sure My Nachos Don’t Get Soggy?
One of the common issues with nachos is sogginess. Here are some steps to keep your chips crunchy:
- Use a sturdy chip—look for thicker tortilla chips that can hold toppings without breaking.
- Layer strategically: start with a base of chips, add some cheese, then distribute the chicken, and top with more cheese before baking. This creates a barrier against moisture.
- Consider baking your nachos in smaller batches if you’re serving a crowd, keeping the chips crispy as they stay warm.
- Serve toppings like sour cream and fresh veggies on the side. This way, everyone can add what they like just before eating!
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions, diced tomatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of baking time. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your nachos get perfectly crispy and the cheese melts beautifully!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce for maximum flavor.
3. Layer the Chips:
Take a large sheet pan and spread the tortilla chips evenly across it. This will be the base for all your delicious toppings.
4. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Distribute the BBQ chicken evenly over the chips. Make sure to spread it out so every chip gets some yummy chicken!
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken and chips. This cheese is what will bring everything together as it melts.
6. Bake the Nachos:
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want it ooey-gooey!
7. Add Fresh Toppings:
Carefully remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top. The fresh flavors really brighten up the dish!
8. Drizzle More BBQ Sauce:
If you like, drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the nachos for an extra tangy kick. It’s all about making it just the way you love it!
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the nachos hot, with sour cream and any other optional toppings you desire. Get ready to dig in and enjoy this flavor explosion!
Enjoy your easy, flavorful Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos! Perfect for sharing or indulging all on your own!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is super convenient, you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Grilled or roasted chicken breast works great, or even shredded turkey if you have leftovers!
What if I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick BBQ substitute using ketchup, a splash of vinegar, and a mix of spices like smoked paprika, brown sugar, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce for flavor. Just blend those together and you’re good to go!
How Can I Keep My Nachos from Getting Soggy?
To keep your nachos crispy, avoid adding too much wet ingredient directly onto the chips before baking. Layering cheese between the chips and toppings also helps create a barrier. Serve any sauces like sour cream or extra BBQ on the side for dipping!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
If you’d like to prep ahead, you can assemble the nachos in advance but bake them just before serving. Keep the BBQ chicken and cheese separate until you’re ready to bake to maintain optimal chip crunchiness!
