Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos are a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of BBQ flavors with the fun of nachos. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this dish is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. The crispy tortilla chips, juicy BBQ chicken, and melty cheese create a delicious combination that will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, drizzling with Queso Blanco adds an irresistible creamy touch that takes this snack to the next level!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under 20 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family dinners, everyone loves nachos!
- Customizable: Tailor the toppings to your liking—add extra veggies or different cheeses!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of BBQ chicken and Queso Blanco creates a rich, satisfying flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Make extra and enjoy them later; they reheat well and taste just as good!
Tools and Preparation
To make Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos, having the right tools on hand will ensure a smooth cooking experience.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A large surface area allows you to layer all ingredients evenly for optimal baking.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy.
- Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce without spilling.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups BBQ sauce
For the Nachos
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mild pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 cup queso blanco
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
How to Make Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
On your prepared baking sheet, layer half of the tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. Follow this by layering half of the BBQ chicken mixture and half of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining tortilla chips, BBQ chicken, and cheese.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Sprinkle chopped pickled jalapenos and red onion on top of the layered nachos if desired.
Step 5: Bake in Oven
Place your loaded baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 11-13 minutes or until the cheese has melted beautifully.
Step 6: Drizzle Queso Blanco
Remove from oven and drizzle Queso Blanco over your nachos along with some extra BBQ sauce. Return to bake for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, serve immediately topped with chopped cilantro and any other preferred toppings. Dive in and enjoy your Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos!
How to Serve Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos are perfect for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will elevate your nacho experience.
With Dips
- Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole complements the crunch of nachos.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy flavor that balances the BBQ chicken.
- Salsa: Fresh salsa provides a zesty kick and enhances the overall taste.
As a Meal
- Serve with Rice: Pairing your nachos with seasoned rice can make it a hearty meal.
- Taco Salad: Create a taco salad by adding lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing alongside the nachos.
- Stuffed Peppers: Use the nacho mixture to stuff bell peppers for a fun twist.
Toppings Bar
- Customize Your Nachos: Set up a toppings bar with options like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and olives so everyone can build their own plate.
Drinks Pairings
- Craft Beer: A cold craft beer pairs well with the flavors of BBQ chicken nachos.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade balance the savory flavors perfectly.
How to Perfect Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Making Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos is simple, but these tips will help you achieve perfection.
- Use Fresh Tortilla Chips: Opt for freshly made tortilla chips for that extra crunch and flavor.
- Layer Wisely: Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure every chip gets its fair share of toppings.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Keep an eye on your nachos while baking to prevent overcooking; melted cheese is key!
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different types of cheese for varied flavors—Monterey Jack or cheddar work great!
- Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions right before serving for added freshness and color.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
Pairing side dishes with Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn topped with lime, cheese, and spices makes an excellent complement.
- Black Bean Salad: A fresh black bean salad adds protein and pairs well with the cheesy nachos.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy nachos.
- Chili: A savory bowl of chili adds depth and heartiness to your meal.
- Fruit Salsa: A refreshing fruit salsa provides sweetness that balances out the savory flavors.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are a satisfying side that goes hand-in-hand with nachos.
- Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: These spicy bites add a kick and are great for those looking for something lighter.
- Garlic Bread Sticks: Warm garlic bread sticks make for a comforting pairing alongside cheesy nachos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using stale chips: Freshness matters! Always check your tortilla chips for crunch. Stale chips make soggy nachos.
- Overloading toppings: Too many toppings can make nachos messy. Stick to a balanced amount of chicken and cheese for best flavor.
- Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven melting. Always preheat your oven to ensure perfect cheese melt.
- Choosing the wrong BBQ sauce: Not all BBQ sauces work for nachos. Go for a sauce that’s not too overpowering, so the flavors blend well.
- Ignoring garnishes: Garnishes like cilantro add freshness and flavor. Don’t skip them; they elevate your dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best quality.
Freezing Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in chips.
- If needed, separate components before freezing (chicken and cheese).
Reheating Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Oven: Preheat to 350F, place nachos on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warm but watch out for sogginess.
- Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, cover with a lid, and stir occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos.
Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken?
Yes! Store-bought BBQ chicken works great in this recipe, saving you time.
What kind of cheese should I use for Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos?
Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese are excellent choices. They melt beautifully and enhance the flavor.
How can I customize Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos?
Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, corn, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Are these nachos suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just assemble them without baking, then store separately. Bake when you’re ready to enjoy!
Final Thoughts
Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level. They’re perfect for parties or cozy family dinners. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comfort of home-cooked nachos!
Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Easy Sheet Pan BBQ Chicken Nachos are a delightful fusion of crispy tortilla chips, tender BBQ chicken, and gooey melted cheese, making them the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, this quick recipe takes just minutes to prepare. The addition of Queso Blanco adds an irresistible creamy touch that elevates your nacho game. You can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, ensuring everyone will enjoy this crowd-pleaser. Serve these loaded nachos as an appetizer or a main dish for a satisfying meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 3 cups BBQ sauce
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mild pickled jalapenos
- 1/2 cup queso blanco
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Layer half of the tortilla chips on the baking sheet, followed by half of the chicken mixture and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Add red onion and jalapenos on top.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with Queso Blanco and additional BBQ sauce; bake for another 3-4 minutes.
- Serve immediately topped with cilantro and any other preferred toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
