Get ready for a fun dinner with sheet pan BBQ chicken nachos! This dish is piled high with crispy chips, tasty BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings.
You can’t go wrong with nachos for sharing—or for yourself, no judgment here! 😄 I love to load mine up with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra zing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Look for sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up under the weight of all the toppings. If you’re looking for a healthier option, baked chips or even homemade tortilla chips are great alternatives. Just bake corn tortillas until crispy!
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe—saving time and effort! However, you can also use leftover chicken or even shredded turkey. If you’re vegan, try using shredded jackfruit seasoned with BBQ sauce.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that matches your taste. Sweet, tangy, or spicy varieties can all work. Homemade BBQ sauce is a great option if you have extra time. For a lighter option, look for reduced-sugar BBQ sauces.
Cheese: A cheese blend works best for pulling and melting. I prefer sharp cheddar for flavor and Monterey Jack for creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, look for plant-based cheese alternatives, which can melt quite nicely!
How Do I Get My Nachos Extra Cheesy and Delicious?
Getting that cheese perfectly melted and gooey is key to great nachos. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Preheat your oven well to ensure consistent heating.
- Spread nachos evenly to prevent sogginess—no one likes limp chips!
- Layer cheese between the chips and on top for thorough melting. This creates a warm, cheesy nest that keeps all toppings in place.
- Keep an eye on baking time; you don’t want burnt edges or cold cheese.
When done, toppings like red onions and cilantro add flavor and freshness that really make your nachos pop! Enjoy them hot and fresh right from the pan.
Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large sheet pan or baking tray
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 oz)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or ranch dressing, for drizzling
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, avocado, or diced tomatoes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 10-15 minutes for cooking, making it ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack for game day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). A properly heated oven is key to getting those nachos crispy and the cheese melted perfectly!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with your BBQ sauce until it’s all coated. You want that BBQ flavor to seep into the chicken!
3. Assemble the Nachos:
Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly across your sheet pan. Make sure not to overcrowd them, so every chip can be topped and get that fantastic flavor!
4. Add the Chicken:
Next, take your BBQ chicken and evenly distribute it over the chips. This ensures every bite has that delicious BBQ flavor!
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese all over the chicken and chips. More cheese means more melty goodness!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Add Fresh Toppings:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle on the diced red onion, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh crunch that perfectly balances the rich flavors of the nachos!
8. Drizzle and Garnish:
Finish off by drizzling some sour cream or ranch dressing over the top. If you’d like, add any optional toppings like jalapeños or avocado for an extra touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dig in while warm and enjoy your nachos directly from the sheet pan! It’s a fun, casual meal that everyone loves!
These sheet pan BBQ chicken nachos are sure to be a hit! Crispy chips, tasty chicken, and gooey cheese come together for a delicious and satisfying dish. Perfect for sharing—if you want to, that is! 😄
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce for a quick and flavorful topping.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with shredded jackfruit or use a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh or tofu. Toss it with BBQ sauce to infuse it with that delightful flavor!
What Should I Do with Leftover Nachos?
Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps avoid soggy chips!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or even guacamole for a fun twist. Just remember to balance wet toppings to keep the chips crispy!