Craving a fun and tasty meal? Let’s whip up a BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy layers of crispy tortilla chips, savory BBQ chicken, and gooey cheese. It’s quick to make and will impress your family and friends. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute get-together with friends.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the toppings based on your preferences—add more veggies, switch up the cheese, or even use different proteins for a unique twist.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of BBQ chicken, cheese, and fresh toppings creates a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that everyone will love.
- Fun to Share: Serving this dish straight from the skillet makes it a fun and interactive meal for family and friends to enjoy together.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce of your choice
- 1 bag (12 oz) tortilla chips, preferably bite-sized
Additional Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained for optimal flavor
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or thawed frozen)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped for garnish
- Sour cream and guacamole for a creamy finish
To make BBQ chicken nacho skillet, gather these fresh ingredients. The main items are cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, and tortilla chips. You can use any BBQ sauce you like. I prefer a sweet and smoky blend.
For the toppings, shredded cheddar cheese adds richness. Black beans and corn bring texture and flavor. If you like heat, add jalapeño slices. Red onion gives a nice crunch. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and taste. Don’t forget sour cream and guacamole for dipping! Each ingredient combines to create a tasty and satisfying dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven for baking.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated. This ensures every bite is tasty.
Assembling the Skillet
1. Grab a large, oven-safe skillet. Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer across the bottom. Make sure the chips cover the base well for great crunch.
2. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese over the chips. This layer melts nicely and adds flavor.
3. Carefully spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Spread it evenly to cover the cheesy layer. Next, add the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and sliced jalapeño if you want heat. Finally, top it with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
Baking Instructions
1. Bake the skillet in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and melt. This means your nachos are almost ready.
2. When done, take the skillet out of the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
3. Serve hot straight from the oven. Pair with sour cream and guacamole for a fun and tasty meal.
Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Substitutions
- Alternative proteins: You can swap shredded chicken for pulled pork or turkey. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or lentils for added protein.
- Cheese variations: If you want a different taste, try pepper jack or mozzarella. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors.
Cooking Techniques
- Oven-safe skillet recommendations: Use a cast-iron or ceramic skillet. These skillets hold heat well and work perfectly for baking.
- Importance of layering: Layering is key! Start with chips, then cheese, followed by chicken, and finish with more cheese. This method helps every bite stay crispy and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
- Best sides to serve with BBQ chicken nacho skillet: Serve with fresh guacamole and sour cream. A side salad adds a nice crunch.
- Presentation tips for an appealing dish: Serve the nachos right from the skillet. Top with chopped cilantro for color. Place sour cream and guacamole in small bowls for easy access.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cilantro and quality BBQ sauce to elevate the flavor profile of your nachos.
- Layer Wisely: To prevent soggy chips, layer ingredients carefully, starting with chips, then cheese, and finally toppings.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or substitute with a milder pepper for a less spicy option.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh from the oven! Serve right away to keep the chips crispy and the cheese melty.
Variations
Vegetarian Version
You can easily switch the chicken for veggies. Use bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These add color and texture. Toss the veggies in BBQ sauce for flavor. Roast them first for a nice bite. This way, you keep the yum factor without meat.
Spicy Twist
If you like heat, add more jalapeños or hot sauce. Extra jalapeños give a nice crunch and spice. You can also mix hot sauce into the BBQ sauce. Try different hot sauces for unique flavors. This adds a kick that spice lovers will enjoy!
Cheese Lovers Version
For a cheesy delight, try different cheese blends. Mix sharp cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist. You can also use mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Layer the cheese generously for a rich and melty top. This version is sure to please any cheese fan!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep nachos fresh, store them in an airtight container. Avoid stacking the nachos too high. This prevents them from getting soggy. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture. This simple trick helps maintain crispiness.
Reheating Tips
For the best texture, reheat nachos in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit soft. If using a microwave, cover the nachos with a damp paper towel. This helps keep them from drying out.
Freezing Recommendations
Yes, you can freeze BBQ chicken nacho skillet. To do this, let the dish cool completely. Then, store it in a freezer-safe container. Use a layer of plastic wrap to seal it tight. It’s best to eat it within three months. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is a BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet?
A BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet is a fun and tasty dish. It has layers of tortilla chips, BBQ chicken, cheese, and toppings. You bake it all in one skillet, making it easy to serve. This dish is perfect for game days or family dinners. The blend of smoky BBQ flavors with crispy chips makes it a crowd favorite.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can mix the BBQ chicken and layer the chips and cheese in the skillet. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it in the oven. This saves time and makes it easy for busy days. Make sure to bake it right before serving for the best taste.
How long does it take to bake nachos?
Baking nachos usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble nicely. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You can check for doneness by looking for golden cheese and heated toppings. Enjoy your nachos hot from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
You can create a delicious BBQ chicken nacho skillet with ease. We covered the main ingredients, like shredded chicken and tortilla chips. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking. You learned tips for ingredient swaps and serving ideas.
Finally, this dish offers many fun variations and is easy to store. Make this dish your own, and enjoy every bite!
