If you are craving a colorful, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings together the smoky richness of barbecue and the vibrant zest of Mexican cuisine, look no further than this Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser, combining crispy tortilla chips piled high with tender shredded chicken, melted melted cheese, and a mix of savory beans, caramelized onions, and fresh toppings—all perfectly kissed by the grill. This recipe balances textures and flavors brilliantly, making it an absolute must-try for your next gathering or satisfying solo snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe uses simple, well-chosen ingredients that each play an important role in creating a dish bursting with taste and texture. From the crunchy tortilla chips to the creamy queso cheese and the tender chicken infused with spices, every component elevates the final result beautifully.
- 24 ounce bag of tortilla chips: The crunchy base that holds all your toppings; choose sturdy chips to avoid sogginess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors in every bite.
- Sour cream for serving: Adds a cool and creamy contrast that balances the spices.
- Salsa for serving: Fresh and tangy, it enhances the Mexican flavor profile.
- Guacamole for serving: Brings richness and a hint of freshness.
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie recommended): Tender, juicy protein base perfect for dividing between BBQ and Mexican styles.
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, irresistible layer.
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed: Adds earthiness and protein to the Mexican side.
- 1/2 cup plum or cherry tomatoes diced: Fresh bursts of sweetness that lighten the dish.
- 1/2 onion diced and caramelized: Sweet and savory, enhances depth in both flavor profiles.
- 1 tablespoon chicken taco seasoning: Provides authentic Mexican spice to the chicken.
- 1 cup shredded queso cheese: Creamy and mild cheese to layer on top and bind the toppings.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (such as Blues Hog): For that signature smoky-sweet barbecue kick on one side.
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro minced: Bright and herbaceous, adds freshness to the BBQ side.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixtures
Begin by heating your ingredients in separate pans on the stove. For the Mexican side, combine shredded chicken with chicken taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and salsa, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For the BBQ side, mix shredded chicken with minced cilantro and BBQ sauce, again seasoning to your preference. This division lets you showcase both bold flavor profiles in one unforgettable dish.
Step 2: Heat the Black Beans and Caramelize the Onions
While the chicken mixtures warm through, heat the drained black beans in a separate pan. In another pan, sauté the diced onion slowly until golden and caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness. These two elements add wonderful texture and flavor, especially on the Mexican side of your nachos.
Step 3: Preheat Your Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, preparing for indirect grilling. This technique cooks the nachos perfectly by melting the cheese without burning the chips. It’s a game-changer for nacho lovers who want that subtle smoky hint straight from the grill.
Step 4: Prepare the Grill Tray
Spray your grill pan or tray lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your layers of chips, cheese, and toppings slide off easily when the nachos are ready to serve.
Step 5: Build the First Layer
Lay out a single layer of tortilla chips evenly on the bottom of the grill tray. Sprinkle a generous amount of Mexican blend cheese over the chips, then add a layer of the prepared chicken mixtures and black beans or caramelized onions depending on which side you’re building. Finish this layer with more cheese to help everything melt together beautifully.
Step 6: Create the Second Layer
Add another layer of tortilla chips, cheese, chicken, and toppings, topping with a final scatter of cheese for extra gooey goodness. This layering method ensures every bite has a perfect balance of crunch, meat, and melted cheese.
Step 7: Grill to Perfection
Place the grill tray on the grill over indirect heat and cover the lid. Let the nachos cook for about 5 minutes, then rotate the tray and cook an additional 5 minutes. This slow, indirect heat melts the cheese and warms all the toppings without scorching the chips.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the tray carefully from the grill and use a spatula to cut through the layers and serve onto plates. Top with dollops of cool sour cream, fresh salsa, and creamy guacamole for a perfect finishing touch. Now dive in and savor your Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your nachos is where you can really add personality and a fresh vibe. Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice lift the dish with vibrancy. Don’t forget generous dollops of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole—they add cooling and creamy contrasts that balance the heartier toppings.
Side Dishes
Pair these grilled nachos with light and fresh sides such as a simple mixed greens salad or corn on the cob sprinkled with chili powder and lime. For a heartier meal, a side of Mexican street corn salad or black bean salad complements the flavors splendidly without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your nachos on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter that shows off the layers and vibrant colors. For parties, consider individual mini grill trays or cast iron skillets for each person to keep portions fun and manageable. Adding small bowls of your favorite dips on the side never fails to please!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best texture and flavor, keep the chips and toppings separate if possible and reassemble before reheating.
Freezing
Because of the chips, freezing these nachos is not recommended as they tend to become soggy and lose their crispness. For best results, enjoy this Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to help crisp up the chips again and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the chips soft and limp.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled veggies, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based protein like seasoned jackfruit or meatless crumbles. Keep all other toppings the same to enjoy the layered flavors.
What type of cheeses work best for grilled nachos?
Mexican blend cheeses and queso cheese melt beautifully and offer great flavor. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of mozzarella are good alternatives if you like a milder or sharper taste.
Can I use a regular oven instead of a grill?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the layered nachos on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts. Just keep an eye on the chips to prevent burning.
How spicy is this recipe?
The level of spice is very customizable. Using mild taco seasoning and a mild BBQ sauce keeps the dish accessible to all palates, but feel free to add jalapeños or hotter salsa if you like a bit more kick.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
The best way is to reheat gently in the oven to keep the chips crunchy and cheese melted, then add fresh garnishes like sour cream and guacamole just before serving to keep layers vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an instant celebration on your plate. The way the BBQ and Mexican flavors complement and contrast each other creates a unique yet satisfying experience every time. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a casual get-together, this recipe will surely become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious adventure!
Print
Grilled Chicken Nachos with BBQ and Mexican Flavors Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Enjoy the best of both worlds with these Grilled Chicken Nachos featuring two delicious variations: BBQ Chicken Nachos and Mexican Nachos. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, black beans, caramelized onions, and fresh toppings, these nachos are grilled to perfection over indirect heat for a smoky, crispy finish. Perfect for sharing, they make a flavorful and satisfying appetizer or snack served with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
Ingredients
General Ingredients
- 24 ounce bag of tortilla chips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving
- Salsa for serving
- Guacamole for serving
Mexican Nachos Toppings
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 1 tablespoon chicken taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup diced plum or cherry tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 onion, diced and caramelized
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
BBQ Chicken Nachos Toppings
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Blues Hog recommended)
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
- 1/2 onion, diced and caramelized
- 1 cup shredded queso cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixtures: In separate pans on the stovetop, heat and mix the chicken for each nacho variation. For the Mexican side, combine the shredded chicken with chicken taco seasoning, salsa, and diced tomatoes; season with salt and pepper to taste. For the BBQ side, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and minced cilantro; season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Heat Beans and Caramelize Onion: In separate pans, warm the black beans and caramelize the diced onions over medium heat until golden and fragrant. This adds a sweet, savory depth to your nachos.
- Preheat Grill: Prepare your grill for indirect grilling by setting it to medium-high heat. This means heat on one side of the grill and the other side off, perfect for melting cheese without burning the chips.
- Prepare Grill Tray: Lightly spray your grill tray with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Assemble First Layer of Nachos: Place a single layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the grill tray. Sprinkle generously with the appropriate cheese blend, then add a layer of the chicken mixture and other toppings such as beans, onions, and tomatoes for Mexican nachos, or cilantro and BBQ chicken for BBQ nachos. Top with additional cheese.
- Assemble Second Layer: Add another layer of chips, followed by cheese and the remaining toppings, finishing with a final sprinkle of cheese for extra gooey melt.
- Grill the Nachos: Place the grill tray on the grill over indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes. Then turn the tray carefully and continue grilling for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chips are crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the nachos from the grill. Use a spatula to cut and serve warm paired with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. Enjoy your smoky, cheesy grilled chicken nachos with two enticing flavors!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenient pre-cooked shredded chicken.
- Adjust seasoning and BBQ sauce amount to your taste preference.
- Indirect grilling helps melt cheese without burning chips.
- Grilled nachos are best enjoyed immediately to maintain crispness.
- Feel free to customize toppings such as adding jalapeños, olives, or extra veggies.
