If you love bold flavors and crave a dish that brings everyone together, you’re going to adore this BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe. It’s a perfect fusion of smoky, tangy BBQ chicken layered over crispy tortilla chips and smothered in melty cheese. This dish is all about comfort and joy in every bite, making it ideal for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing snack when friends come over. Let’s dive into the simple magic that turns everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of each ingredient. Every item plays a crucial role, from adding vibrant color to bringing a rich texture and depth of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Olive oil: Used to gently sauté the onions and chicken, adding a subtle richness.
- Small red onion: Brings a crisp, slightly sweet bite that balances smoky BBQ flavors.
- Shredded cooked chicken: The protein base, soaking up the BBQ sauce for that tender, juicy goodness.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors of the dish.
- BBQ sauce: The star flavor component, providing sweetness, tang, and smoky notes.
- Tortilla chips: The crispy, crunchy foundation that holds the entire dish together.
- Shredded cheddar/mozzarella blend: Creates that irresistible, gooey cheesy layer everyone loves.
- Cilantro: Adds freshness and a hint of herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.
- Sour cream: Offers a cool, creamy finish that complements the bold BBQ flavors perfectly.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Starting off, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for melting the cheese just right without drying out the chicken or chips, setting the stage for a deliciously gooey finish.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fresh Ingredients
Chop the red onion and finely slice the cilantro, while also getting your cheese ready—either shredded or pre-packaged is fine. Having these ingredients prepped before you cook will make the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 3: Cook the BBQ Chicken Mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chopped onion, shredded chicken, salt, and pepper. Stir in the BBQ sauce and cook for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to start bubbling. This step infuses the chicken with those beloved BBQ flavors.
Step 4: Set the Chicken Mixture Aside
Once the mixture is beautifully combined and hot, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This moment gives you a chance to build the nachos layers.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Nachos
Layer the bottom of the skillet with tortilla chips, covering the surface evenly but allowing some chips to overlap. Add half the BBQ chicken mixture, then sprinkle half the cheese on top. Repeat the layering with another round of chips, the remaining chicken, and finish with the last of the cheese. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After baking, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top and add a generous dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in for those crispy, cheesy, BBQ-infused bites!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and sour cream are classic choices that bring a fresh and creamy counterpoint to the smoky BBQ chicken. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick or diced avocado for extra creaminess—both are fantastic ways to elevate your nacho experience.
Side Dishes
Pair these nachos with a simple side salad or some crunchy pickles to add a refreshing contrast to the hearty, cheesy skillet. A cold beer or a tangy lime margarita pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ flavors, making your meal feel more festive and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe family-style in the skillet you cooked it in, right on the table. You can also plate individual portions with extra toppings on the side, letting everyone customize their nachos just how they like them. Perfect for game days or casual parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though this dish is usually devoured fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days, so you can enjoy the flavors again without any hassle.
Freezing
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because the tortilla chips tend to lose their crispness once thawed. For best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the nachos fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to help restore some crispness to the chips and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the chips soggy and the texture less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe, making it a great way to transform yesterday’s dinner into a brand-new dish full of flavor.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste—whether it’s sweet, smoky, or spicy. A well-balanced sauce enhances the overall flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein like seasoned jackfruit or tofu to keep the BBQ spirit alive in a vegetarian version of these nachos.
How spicy is this dish?
The basic recipe is mild, but you can easily add heat by including jalapeños or spicy BBQ sauce. It’s flexible and can be tailored to your desired spice level.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken mixture and chop the onions and cilantro in advance, but assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to maintain their perfect texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about a warm skillet piled high with cheesy, BBQ-flavored chicken and crispy chips. This BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe has become a favorite for good reason—it’s easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and always brings smiles to the table. Give it a try the next time you want a dish that feels effortlessly special and truly delicious.
Print
BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy BBQ Chicken Skillet Nachos layered with shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, sautéed onions, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, and topped with fresh cilantro and sour cream. Perfect for a quick appetizer or casual meal that combines smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors all in one pan.
Ingredients
Skillet Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Nacho Layers
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and mozzarella blend
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
- Sour cream, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the layered nachos.
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the red onion and cilantro finely. If needed, grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to make 2 cups of cheese blend.
- Cook Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and BBQ sauce. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until everything is heated through and bubbling.
- Set Aside Chicken Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the chicken mixture to a bowl, setting it aside temporarily.
- Assemble Nachos: In the same skillet, arrange a layer of tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. Top with half of the chicken mixture and then half of the cheese blend. Add another layer of tortilla chips, followed by the remaining chicken mixture and cheese.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle the finely chopped cilantro over the top, and add dollops of sour cream as desired. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce flavor to customize the taste.
- Feel free to add jalapeños or sliced olives for extra toppings.
- To make individual servings, prepare nachos on oven-safe plates or small skillets.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, though chips may lose crispness.
