Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that combines savory flavors and easy preparation, BBQ Chicken Nachos are the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken cooked in BBQ seasoning, hearty baked beans, crispy tortilla chips, and gooey cheese for a crowd-pleasing treat. Whether it’s for game day, a family gathering, or a casual night in, these nachos are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon BBQ seasoning
1/3 cup water
1 bottle BBQ sauce
1 can baked beans
6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese
1 bag tortilla chips
1 cup queso blanco dip
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including prep)
Yield: Serves 6
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering dish.
1. Place the chicken in your slow cooker and season with BBQ seasoning. Add water, cover, and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Once cooked, shred the chicken with a fork and mix in the BBQ sauce. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, simmer the baked beans over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with aluminum foil.
5. Spread tortilla chips evenly over both baking sheets. Sprinkle one cup of Colby jack cheese over each sheet of chips.
6. Top the chips with an even layer of baked beans, followed by chopped bacon, and then the shredded BBQ chicken.
7. Drizzle the queso blanco dip evenly over the nachos. Sprinkle the remaining Colby jack cheese on top.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Nachos, a perfect blend of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle them with the BBQ seasoning for flavor. Pour in the water, cover the cooker, and set it to cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for it to be safe to eat.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up and the chicken is tender, use a fork to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. After shredding, mix in the BBQ sauce to coat the chicken evenly. Set this aside for later use.
Step 3: Heat the Baked Beans
Take a small saucepan and add the canned baked beans. Heat them over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once heated through, remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating, line two baking sheets with aluminum foil to make clean-up easier and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Arrange the Tortilla Chips
Spread the tortilla chips out evenly across both prepared baking sheets. Ensure that the chips are spread out in a single layer for even baking.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle one cup of shredded Colby jack cheese over each sheet of tortilla chips. This will create a cheesy layer that melts beautifully in the oven.
Step 7: Layer the Nachos
Begin by adding an even layer of the heated baked beans over the cheese-covered chips. Next, sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon over the beans. Finally, add the shredded BBQ chicken on top of the bacon for flavor and texture.
Step 8: Drizzle the Queso Blanco
Drizzle the queso blanco dip evenly over the assembled nachos. This adds a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
Step 9: Top with Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby jack cheese over the top of the nachos to ensure they are plentiful with cheesy goodness.
Step 10: Bake the Nachos
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 11: Serve Immediately
Once baked, remove the nachos from the oven. Serve them immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
Storage
Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations
Feel free to customize the nachos by adding additional toppings such as diced jalapeños, olives, or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
Serving Suggestions
These nachos are perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings. Pair with additional BBQ sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to cook gently in its own juices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours ensures the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature while remaining moist.
Shredding Chicken
After slow cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken easily. This technique breaks down the meat into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to mix with BBQ sauce and incorporate into the dish.
Simmering Baked Beans
Simmering the baked beans over medium-low heat enhances their flavor and helps to thicken the sauce. Keeping the heat gentle prevents scorching and maintains the beans’ texture.
Layering Nachos
When assembling the nachos, layering ingredients evenly ensures that each chip is topped well. Start with tortilla chips, followed by cheese, baked beans, bacon, and BBQ chicken to create a balanced bite.
Baking Nachos
Baking the nachos at 350°F allows the cheese to melt and bind the toppings together. This technique creates a deliciously gooey texture that ties the dish together.
FAQ
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but skin-on chicken may result in a different texture. It is recommended to remove the skin before shredding for a leaner dish.
What can I substitute for Colby jack cheese?
You can substitute Colby jack cheese with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or any cheese that melts well.
How do I store leftover nachos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in the oven until warmed through, as microwave reheating may make the nachos soggy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken and baked beans ahead of time. Assemble the nachos just before baking for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon and substitute with additional beans, vegetables, or meat alternatives for a vegetarian option.
Conclusion
This BBQ chicken nacho dish is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The tender, shredded chicken infused with BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy tortilla chips, creamy queso dip, and savory baked beans. The added crunch of bacon and the melty Colby jack cheese create a smooth and satisfying experience, making this an ideal dish for gatherings or a cozy night in.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Use the same BBQ chicken and layer it between tortillas with melted cheese for a delicious quesadilla option. Serve with salsa or sour cream on the side.
Loaded BBQ Chicken Sliders
Serve the shredded BBQ chicken on slider buns topped with pickles and extra BBQ sauce for a tasty handheld treat.
Nacho Salad Bowl
Create a nutritious twist by layering the baked beans, shredded chicken, cheese, and toppings over a bed of lettuce instead of chips for a salad variation.
BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Mix the BBQ chicken and baked beans and stuff them into halved bell peppers, then top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender.
BBQ Chicken & Bacon Pizza
Spread BBQ sauce on a pizza crust, top with shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and cheese, then bake for a unique BBQ chicken pizza experience.
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Pasta Bake
Combine cooked pasta with the BBQ chicken, beans, and cheese. Bake until bubbly for a comforting pasta dish.
