BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos Recipe

Craving for a delicious and easy-to-make snack? Look no further because we’ve got the perfect recipe for you! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos. Packed with tender pulled chicken, smothered in rich BBQ sauce, and topped with all your favorite nacho fixings, these nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your apron and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos!

Ingredients

To make delicious BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos, you will need the following ingredients:

Chicken

The star of this dish is tender, flavorful shredded chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Both work well and provide juicy, succulent meat for your nachos.

BBQ Sauce

Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to give your chicken that irresistible smoky and tangy flavor. Whether you prefer a classic tomato-based sauce or a spicy vinegar-based one, the choice is yours. The boldness of the BBQ sauce will add an extra dimension to your nachos.

Tortilla Chips

What’s a plate of nachos without the crispy, crunchy base? Opt for sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up to all the toppings and won’t get soggy. Look for thick, restaurant-style chips that can handle the weight of the chicken, cheese, and other ingredients.

Cheese

Cheese is the glue that holds everything together in nachos. Choose a melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both. Grate the cheese yourself for the best texture and flavor. Sprinkle it generously over the nachos to create that perfect cheesy gooeyness as it melts in the oven.

Onion

Adding some diced onions to your nachos can provide a crispy crunch and a touch of freshness. Red onions are particularly popular for their mild yet slightly sweet flavor. Feel free to customize the amount of onion based on your personal preference.

Tomato

Sliced tomatoes bring a burst of juiciness and acidity to your nachos. Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. While traditional red tomatoes work well, you may also experiment with different types like heirloom or cherry tomatoes for added variety.

Jalapeno

If you like a bit of heat, jalapenos are the perfect addition to your nachos. Slice them thinly and remove the seeds if you prefer a milder flavor. Jalapenos add a lovely kick to balance out the richness of the other ingredients.

Cilantro

Cilantro, also known as coriander, adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the nachos. Finely chop the leaves and sprinkle them on top as a finishing touch. The vibrant green color and fragrant aroma of cilantro make your nachos visually appealing and irresistibly flavorful.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to whip up these mouthwatering BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious snack or appetizer.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, or your preferred spices. This step adds flavor to the meat.
2. Grill or bake the chicken until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. This will ensure that it’s tender and juicy.
3. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Use two forks to pull it apart, taking care to separate it into strands.
4. Set aside the shredded chicken while you move on to making the BBQ sauce.

Making the BBQ Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your chosen BBQ sauce with any additional ingredients you prefer, such as garlic, brown sugar, or Worcestershire sauce.
2. Stir the sauce mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Let the sauce cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
4. Once the BBQ sauce is ready, remove it from the heat.

Assembling the Nachos

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are evenly spread out to ensure every chip gets a delicious topping.
3. Distribute the shredded chicken evenly over the tortilla chips. The more chicken, the heartier the nachos!
4. Sprinkle the grated cheese all over the nachos, ensuring that each chip gets a generous helping of cheese.
5. Add the diced onions, sliced tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro on top of the cheese. Distribute these toppings according to your personal preference.
6. Drizzle the homemade BBQ sauce all over the assembled nachos. Be liberal with the sauce to infuse every bite with that irresistible flavor.

Baking the Nachos

1. Place the baking sheet with the assembled nachos in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and started to bubble.
3. Keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent them from burning. Depending on your oven and personal preference, you may adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. Once the cheese is golden and bubbly, remove the nachos from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
5. Serve the BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos while they are still warm and the cheese is ooey-gooey. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Using Leftover Chicken

Don’t let any leftover chicken go to waste! If you have some cooked chicken from a previous meal, you can easily repurpose it for these nachos. Simply shred the leftover chicken and proceed with the recipe as usual. This is a fantastic way to transform leftovers into a brand-new, delicious dish.

Adding Beans

For a heartier and more filling version of BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos, consider adding some beans. Black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work well to add a protein-packed punch and a flavorful textural element. Drain and rinse a can of beans, then sprinkle them on top of the nachos along with the other toppings.

Spicing It Up

If you want to dial up the heat, experiment with adding additional chili peppers or hot sauces to the BBQ sauce. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce can provide smoky spice, while habanero or ghost pepper hot sauces can bring the heat to another level. Remember to adjust the amount to your personal taste and spice tolerance.

Vegetarian Option

If you prefer a vegetarian version of these nachos, you can easily omit the chicken and make a few substitutions. Replace the shredded chicken with cooked black beans or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Proceed with the recipe as usual, and you’ll have a flavorful vegetarian twist on BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos.

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as an appetizer at parties, game nights, or family gatherings. They can also be a delicious main course for a casual dinner. Pair them with refreshing drinks like margaritas or cold beers to complete the experience.

Storage

If, by any chance, you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to separate the toppings from the tortilla chips to maintain their crispy texture. To reheat the nachos, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Take note that the texture of the nachos may not be as crispy as when they were freshly made, but they will still be delicious. Enjoy the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.

Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get ready to make these irresistible BBQ Pulled Chicken Nachos. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to some finger-licking goodness, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy!