Tangy BBQ Chicken Nachos with Caramelized Onions

These tangy BBQ chicken nachos are loaded with savory, sweet and spicy flavors! Crispy tortilla chips are topped with shredded BBQ chicken, melty cheese, quick pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro. The combination of smoky chicken, rich cheese, and bright pickled onions makes these nachos simply irresistible. Read on for tips on amping up nachos into a hearty meal.

Benefits of Chicken Nachos

Chicken nachos have a lot going for them as a entree:

Customizable

Add any toppings you crave - the options are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing

Lots of textures and flavors to satisfy all preferences.

Loaded with Nutrition

Protein from chicken, fiber from beans, veggies and cheese.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Assembly and baking can be done in advance.

Budget-Friendly

Stretch chicken and make leftovers into more meals.

Tips for Building Perfect Chicken Nachos

Follow these tips for awesome nachos every time:

Pile on the Cheese

Go crazy with all your favorite melty cheeses!

Load up on Veggies

Onions, peppers, tomatoes, avocado, etc. boost nutrition.

Double up on Chips

Sturdy chips on bottom prevent sogginess.

Bake Crisp

Broil or bake at 400°F until cheese is melted and chips are crispy.

Finish with Fresh Toppings

Cilantro, salsa, lime juice add brightness after baking.

How to Make Tangy BBQ Chicken Nachos

These flavor-packed nachos come together easily:

Ingredients:

Tortilla chips, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cheese, red onions, cilantro, lime juice.

Directions:

1. Toss red onions with lime juice and season with salt.

2. Layer chips, chicken, BBQ sauce, pickled onions, cheese.

3. Bake at 400°F until cheese melts.

4. Top with cilantro and extra BBQ sauce.

Topping Ideas for Creative Nachos

Customize your nachos with mix-ins like:

- Black beans

- Corn

- Tomatoes

- Jalapeños

- Avocado

- Salsa

- Sour cream

Protein Options for Hearty Nachos

Substitute or add these proteins:

- Pulled pork

- Shredded steak

- Ground beef

- Refried beans

- Chili

- Chorizo

Cheesy Chicken Nacho Alternatives

For more delicious nacho meals try:

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Spicy buffalo chicken with blue cheese crumbles.

Nacho Average Taco Salad

Taco-seasoned beef over nachos instead of salad greens.

Breakfast Nachos

Scrambled eggs, tater tots, bacon, cheese make brunch nachos.

7-Layer Dip Nachos

Bean dip layered between chips and baked.

Nacho Night with Savory BBQ Chicken Nachos

Loaded with juicy chicken, cheese, fresh toppings, and tangy quick pickled onions, these BBQ chicken nachos make an easy weeknight dinner or fun appetizer for a crowd. The variations are endless too - add spicy jalapeños, swap in shredded pork, or go all out with a full taco bar of toppings! However you customize them, nachos always hit the spot.

5 FAQs about Chicken Nachos

1. What is the best cheese for chicken nachos?

Cheddar or Mexican cheese blends melt beautifully. Jack, Pepperjack, Colby also work.

2. How can I make my nachos more filling?

Pile them high with extra protein, beans, veggies, cheese, guacamole, etc.

3. Is it better to bake or broil nachos?

Broiling gives extra crispy chips and toppings. Baking cooks more evenly.

4. How do you stop nachos getting soggy?

Bake on two trays, with chips on bottom and toppings on top tray.

5. What protein goes best with nachos?

Shredded chicken, ground beef, pulled pork, chorizo, beans, chili - it's all delicious!