BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet Perfect for Easy Meals

If you're searching for a quick and tasty meal, the BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet is your answer! This dish packs bold flavors and is easy to make. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, it’s sure to please. With gooey cheese, seasoned chicken, and your choice of toppings, every bite is a delight. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will make your mealtime fun and stress-free!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

- 1 cup BBQ sauce

- 1 bag (12 oz) tortilla chips

- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)

- ½ red onion, finely chopped

You start with cooked chicken. Shred it for easy mixing. BBQ sauce adds great flavor. Use your favorite brand for the best taste. Tortilla chips form the base. They give you crunch and hold all the toppings. Cheddar cheese melts beautifully. It adds richness to each bite. Black beans and corn bring in texture and nutrition. Finally, red onion adds a nice bite.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)

- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

If you like some heat, add a jalapeño. Slice it thinly for easy eating. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. It adds a burst of flavor. Both are great options to customize your nachos.

Recommended Toppings for Serving

- Sour cream

- Guacamole

Serve with sour cream for creaminess. Guacamole adds a fresh, rich taste. Both toppings balance the spicy and savory flavors. They make your meal even more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken and BBQ Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a medium bowl, take 2 cups of shredded chicken. Add 1 cup of BBQ sauce and mix well. Make sure every piece of chicken gets coated. This mixture adds great flavor to your nachos.

Assembling the Nacho Skillet Layers

Grab a large, oven-safe skillet. Spread a bag of tortilla chips evenly across the bottom. This forms the base. Next, layer half of 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the chips. Now, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of rinsed black beans and 1 cup of corn on the chicken. If you like spice, add sliced jalapeño. Top it all off with the remaining cheese and scatter ½ red onion over everything.

Baking and Final Touches

Place the skillet in your preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and melty. Once it looks perfect, take it out of the oven. Garnish with ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream and guacamole on the side. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet!

Tips & Tricks

How to Make the Best BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet

To make the best BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet, use tender, juicy chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. Mix your chicken with BBQ sauce until it is well coated. This adds great flavor. Layer your tortilla chips in a large, oven-safe skillet. Spread them evenly for a good base. Add half of the cheddar cheese on top of the chips. The cheese helps hold everything together. Next, spoon the BBQ chicken on top. Then, add black beans and corn for extra texture. If you like spice, toss in some sliced jalapeños. Finish with more cheese for that melty goodness. Bake it until the cheese is bubbly. This will take about 15-20 minutes.

Substitutions for Healthier Options

You can make this dish healthier with easy substitutions. Swap regular tortilla chips for baked chips. This cuts down on fat. Use low-sodium BBQ sauce to reduce salt intake. Instead of cheddar cheese, try a low-fat cheese option. You can even add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini. This boosts up the nutrients and flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, replace chicken with black beans or lentils. These swaps keep the dish tasty while making it healthier.

Serving Suggestions for Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the nacho skillet in the oven for best results. Just bake at 350°F until warmed through. This helps keep the chips from getting soggy. Serve the leftovers with fresh toppings. Add more cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole for a fresh taste. You can also use the leftovers in a wrap or on a salad. This gives you a fun twist on your meal!

Variations

Vegetarian BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet

You can swap out the chicken for veggies. Use mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Mix them with BBQ sauce for a tasty base. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still get all that cheesy goodness. Add black beans and corn for extra protein and fiber. This variation is great for meat-free nights.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet

If you like heat, add more spice! Use a spicy BBQ sauce as a base. You can also add diced jalapeños directly to the chicken mix. For an extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top. This will make your nachos sing with flavor. Don't forget to serve it with cooling sour cream.

BBQ Chicken Nachos with Different Cheeses

Cheese lovers can play around with their favorites. Try pepper jack for a spicy twist. You can also mix in mozzarella for a stretchy texture. Gouda gives a nice smoky flavor, too. Layer different cheeses on top for a gourmet touch. Each bite will bring a new cheese experience!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet

To store your leftover BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option.

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

When you reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the skillet with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. If you use a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet

Freezing the skillet is simple. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay good for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method helps keep the flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?

No, you should not use raw chicken. Cooked chicken gives the best flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover grilled chicken. Shredding the cooked chicken makes it mix well with the BBQ sauce.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for nachos?

You should pick a sauce you love. A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce works well. If you prefer heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce. The sauce adds a lot of flavor to the chicken and nachos.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free tortilla chips. Check the BBQ sauce too. Many brands offer gluten-free options. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal without worry.

Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this dish early! Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce and store it in the fridge. Layer the nachos just before baking. This keeps the chips crisp and fresh.

You learned how to make a tasty BBQ Chicken Nacho Skillet. We covered key ingredients and add-ins for flavor. You also found tips for serving and storing leftovers. I shared fun variations to suit different tastes. Use these steps and tricks to make your skillet a hit. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and options. Your next gathering can be a success with this dish. Remember, great food brings people together!