These Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos are a fun twist on a classic. Crispy tortilla chips are loaded with seasoned BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings!
They are perfect for a movie night or game day. Just spread everything on a sheet pan, bake, and enjoy! Trust me, no one can resist these cheesy, saucy bites! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: For the best crunch, go with sturdy, thick tortilla chips. If you prefer a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips or make your own using corn tortillas cut into triangles and baked until crispy.
Cooked Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. If you don’t have that on hand, poached or grilled chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or spicy tofu instead!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to suit your taste. I prefer a tangy sauce. If you want to make your own, combine ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. For a spicy kick, add some hot sauce or chipotle peppers.
Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives a nice flavor and stretch. Feel free to substitute with pepper jack for extra heat or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.
Toppings: Customize your nachos with toppings like bell peppers, avocado, or olives. If you want to keep it simple, just stick with onions and cilantro!
How Do I Ensure My Cheese Is Perfectly Melted?
The secret to melty cheese on nachos is all in the baking time and temperature. Here’s how to make it just right:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting in the nachos. This ensures even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the nachos while baking, around the 8-minute mark. You want the cheese perfectly melted without burning.
- If the cheese isn’t bubbling enough, leave them in for another minute or two, but check frequently to prevent overcooking.
For best results, arrange your cheese in a single layer over the toppings, as this allows for even melting across your nachos. Enjoy that gooey goodness!
How to Make Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 8 cups)
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
For Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-12 minutes to bake. Add in just a little extra time for getting everything set up, and you’ll have warm, cheesy nachos ready in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and your cheese gets nice and bubbly!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, toss the shredded cooked chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce. This step adds great flavor to your nachos!
3. Arrange the Tortilla Chips:
Spread the tortilla chips out evenly on a large rimmed sheet pan. Make sure they are in a single layer so every chip gets a taste of the delicious toppings!
4. Add the BBQ Chicken:
Evenly scatter the BBQ chicken mixture over the chips. This will create a savory layer with every bite.
5. Time for Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chips and chicken. The more cheese, the better! This is what makes your nachos gooey and irresistible.
6. Bake Away:
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese has melted and is starting to bubble. You want that beautiful cheesy layer!
7. Add Fresh Toppings:
Once done, carefully remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately sprinkle diced red onions, tomatoes, jalapeño slices (if you like a kick), and chopped cilantro on top. It adds a fresh crunch!
8. Drizzle and Serve:
Finish off by drizzling a bit more BBQ sauce over the nachos and adding dollops of sour cream or Mexican crema as desired. Now they’re ready to dig into!
9. Enjoy Your Nachos:
Serve immediately while everything is warm and cheesy. Grab some plates and enjoy your fantastic BBQ Chicken Nachos with friends and family!
This recipe is not just about taste; it’s a fun way to bring everyone together—enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds fantastic flavor to your nachos. Just shred the meat and mix it with BBQ sauce as directed in the recipe.
How Do I Prevent My Nachos from Getting Soggy?
To keep your nachos crispy, spread the tortilla chips in a single layer and avoid overloading them with too many toppings, especially wet ones like salsa. Adding the toppings right after baking helps maintain their crunch!
Can I Make These Nachos Spicy?
Yes! For extra heat, use spicy BBQ sauce, add more jalapeños, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the top. You can also try a spicy cheese blend for an added kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, try using an oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave for the best texture. Simply reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
