Name: Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2½ cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts); ¾ cup BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s); 13 oz 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 (add more to taste); 2½ cups shredded Mexican-style cheese

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These Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos are the ultimate party food, game-day snack, or easy weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and texture, they layer crispy tortilla chips with tangy BBQ chicken, fresh veggies, black beans, corn, jalapeños, and gooey melted cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks every box for a quick, satisfying, and sharable dish. It’s easy to throw together using pre-cooked chicken, highly customizable to your spice and topping preferences, and perfect for feeding a group. The bold BBQ flavor combined with melty cheese and crunchy chips makes each bite absolutely irresistible.

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2½ cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)
¾ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
13 oz tortilla chips
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
2½ cups shredded Mexican-style cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing well to coat.
Spread ⅔ of the tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet.
Evenly layer ⅔ of the BBQ chicken over the chips, followed by ⅔ of the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, red onion, and jalapeño.
Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheese evenly over the first layer.
Add the remaining tortilla chips on top.
Layer the rest of the BBQ chicken, remaining vegetables, and top everything with the remaining cheese and jalapeños.
Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the nachos are heated through.
Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally topped with sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Use spicy BBQ sauce or add more jalapeños or hot sauce before baking.
Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and increase beans or add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
Tex-Mex Twist: Add sliced black olives, green onions, or crushed tortilla strips for extra crunch.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese with the Mexican blend.
Saucy Finish: Drizzle with ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a lime crema just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Nachos are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat:

Spread the nachos out on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves prep time.

Do I have to use BBQ sauce?

No, you can substitute it with salsa, enchilada sauce, or hot sauce for a different flavor profile.

What kind of chips should I use?

Sturdy tortilla chips work best so they don’t get soggy under the toppings.

Can I make these in advance?

It’s best to prep the ingredients in advance and assemble/bake just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.

Are these nachos gluten-free?

They can be if you use gluten-free tortilla chips and a gluten-free BBQ sauce.

What other protein can I use?

ground beef, or shredded jackfruit are great alternatives to chicken.

How do I make them crispier?

Bake a few minutes longer or broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning).

Can I make a smaller batch?

Absolutely. Halve all the ingredients and use a smaller baking sheet.

What’s the best cheese for nachos?

Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a combo melts well and complements the BBQ flavor.

What can I serve with these nachos?

Try a side of guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos are everything you want in a snack or easy meal—crispy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making a quick dinner, or throwing together a game-day spread, these nachos deliver big taste with minimal effort. Make them once, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Jessica