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Loaded with melted cheese, juicy chicken, and a bold barbecue flavor, these nachos are the perfect way to bring everyone together. They’re quick to assemble, irresistibly crunchy, and bursting with tangy, smoky sweetness. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or gearing up for game night, these nachos will bring everyone to the table with excitement.

Ingredients

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 10–12 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapeños (optional for a spicy kick)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream, for drizzling
Instructions
Begin by warming a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil and add your shredded chicken, stirring gently so it heats through without drying out. Pour in the barbecue sauce, making sure the chicken is coated in all that sweet, savory goodness. Warm the sauce for a couple of minutes, just until it starts bubbling.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, spread out a generous layer of tortilla chips. Sprinkle about half the cheese evenly over the chips, then add spoonfuls of your barbecue chicken mixture on top. Scatter the red onion slices and pickled jalapeños (if using) across the chicken for a sharp, tangy punch.
Finish by adding the remaining cheese in a blanket over everything. Slide the tray into the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out, top with fresh cilantro for a bright hint of color and drizzle on sour cream if you’d like a cooling contrast to the smoky sauce.

These Smoky-Sweet Barbecue Chicken Fiesta Nachos check all the boxes: they’re savory, tangy, crunchy, and seriously easy to put together. They’re a fun, cheesy crowd-pleaser and can be sized up or down for a party, a quick family meal, or a cozy night in. If you’re watching calories, you can use reduced-fat cheese and baked chips. Prefer a vegetarian twist? Swap the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables. However you choose to make them, these nachos are a delicious, no-fuss meal that everyone will love.