Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos

$To make these tasty Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos, gather the following ingredients: - 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1 bag tortilla chips (10-12 oz) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat) - 1/2 red onion, diced - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream (for serving) - Lime wedges (for serving) You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste or needs: - Instead of cooked chicken, use shredded rotisserie chicken. This saves time and adds flavor. - If you don't like BBQ sauce, try ranch dressing or salsa. Both add a nice kick. - No black beans? Use pinto beans or skip them for a lighter dish. - For cheese, feel free to use pepper jack for extra spice or a dairy-free option. Using good brands can make a big difference. Here are some I recommend: - BBQ Sauce: Look for Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s for rich flavor. - Tortilla Chips: Try Tostitos or Late July for a delicious crunch. - Cheese: For cheddar, I love Cabot or Tillamook. They melt well and taste great. These choices can help you create the best Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab your cooked chicken. Shred it into small pieces with a fork or your hands. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Use your favorite brand for the best taste. Make sure all the chicken is well coated. This step adds rich flavor to each bite. Now, take a large sheet pan. Spread out the tortilla chips in a single layer. This helps each chip get the right amount of toppings. Next, add the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the chips. Then, sprinkle black beans and corn over everything. Add the diced red onion for some crunch. Finally, top it all with shredded cheddar cheese. If you like spice, add jalapeño slices on top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the loaded sheet pan in the oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble. It should turn slightly golden. This step makes the nachos gooey and delicious. Once done, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then add diced avocado and chopped cilantro for fresh flavor. To get crispy nachos, use sturdy tortilla chips. Thin chips can break easily and get soggy. Spread the chips evenly on the sheet pan, leaving space between them. This helps them cook well. Bake the nachos in a hot oven. A good temperature is 400°F (200°C). Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn. Layering is key for great nachos. Start with a base of chips. Then, add the BBQ chicken. After that, sprinkle the black beans and corn. Next, add the diced red onion. Finally, top with shredded cheddar cheese. This order helps the cheese melt well and keep everything in place. Don’t add too many toppings at once; it can weigh down the nachos. Timing is important for baking nachos. Bake them for about 10 to 15 minutes. Check them at 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. If you like your nachos extra crispy, leave them in a bit longer. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Once baked, let them cool for a minute before serving. This keeps everything together and makes them easier to eat. Pro Tips Choose Quality BBQ Sauce: The flavor of your nachos heavily depends on the BBQ sauce you choose. Opt for a sauce that complements the chicken and enhances the overall taste. Layer Wisely: For the best nacho experience, layer your toppings evenly. This ensures every chip gets a taste of the deliciousness, preventing any dry bites! Customize to Taste: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, olives, or even jalapeño poppers to elevate your nacho game and cater to your guests' preferences. Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed right out of the oven. Serve them hot for that perfect melty cheese and crispy chip combination! {{image_2}} You can swap the chicken for a plant-based protein. Use chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and flavor. Just mix them with the BBQ sauce like you would with chicken. This way, you get a tasty, meatless dish that everyone can enjoy. Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add diced tomatoes or sliced olives for a burst of flavor. Try adding pickled jalapeños for a tangy kick. If you love greens, throw on some spinach or arugula. Each topping changes the flavor and keeps things fun. Want a spicy kick? Use different peppers to change the heat. You can try serrano or habanero peppers instead of jalapeños. Decrease or increase the amount based on your taste. If you prefer no heat, skip the peppers altogether. Your nachos will still taste amazing! To store leftover nachos, first let them cool. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to avoid drying out. If you want to keep the toppings fresh, store them separately. This keeps the chips from getting soggy. For the best taste, reheat nachos in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave, but this may make the chips soft. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. You can freeze nachos, but it’s best to freeze the toppings separately. Place the chips in a freezer bag and seal it tightly. Store the chicken, beans, and other toppings in separate bags. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the toppings in the fridge overnight. Then, bake the nachos again for a fresh taste. No, you should not use raw chicken. Raw chicken needs to cook longer than nachos bake. Using cooked chicken makes this dish easier and faster. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftovers. Just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce. It saves time and keeps your nachos tasty. You can use many things if you don’t have BBQ sauce. Some good options include hot sauce or salsa for spice. You can also try honey mustard or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor. Each choice gives a unique taste to your nachos. Experimenting can lead to fun new flavors. To make nachos ahead, prep the ingredients but do not bake them. Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce and layer everything on the sheet pan. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When ready, just pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes. This way, you enjoy fresh nachos without all the work at serving time. In this article, I covered everything you need for great nachos. I shared important ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. You can also find ways to mix it up with variations and storage advice. Nachos can be quick, fun, and delicious. Whether you eat them for a snack or meal, you now have the tools to impress. Enjoy making your nachos your way!$

Delicious nachos topped with BBQ chicken, cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for sharing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 bag tortilla chips (10-12 oz)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels
1 whole jalapeño, sliced (optional for heat)
1 2 red onion, diced
1 whole avocado, diced
to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
to serve sour cream
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
On a large sheet pan, evenly spread the tortilla chips. Top the chips with the BBQ chicken mixture.
Sprinkle the black beans, corn, and diced red onion over the chicken. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeño slices if using.
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove nachos from the oven and let cool for a minute. Top with diced avocado and fresh cilantro.
Serve the nachos hot, garnished with sour cream and lime wedges on the side so everyone can customize their toppings.

Notes

Customize with your favorite toppings.

Keyword appetizer, BBQ chicken, nachos, sheet pan