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Flavorful Layered BBQ Chicken Nachos Recipe with Creamy Avocado Crema

BBQ chicken nachos - featured image

These flavorful layered BBQ chicken nachos combine smoky-sweet BBQ chicken with creamy avocado crema for a perfect balance of bold and fresh flavors. Ideal for game days, casual gatherings, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Rayโ€™s recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips (thick-cut recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • ยฝ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeรฑo, sliced thin (seeds removed for less heat)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Optional: sliced black olives or pickled jalapeรฑos

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well and set aside for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  2. Make the avocado crema by blending avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust consistency with water or lime juice if needed.
  3. Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Line a large baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper.
  4. Layer the nachos: spread a single layer of tortilla chips on the baking sheet. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese, then half the BBQ chicken mixture, and scatter black beans if using. Repeat with remaining chips, cheese, and chicken.
  5. Bake for 10โ€“12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately spoon dollops of avocado crema over the nachos. Top with diced red onion, sliced jalapeรฑos, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
  7. Serve warm directly from the baking sheet.

Notes

Use thick-cut or restaurant-style tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Layer ingredients evenly to ensure every chip has toppings. Warm chicken before mixing with BBQ sauce for better flavor melding. Add fresh toppings after baking to maintain crunch. If crema is too thick, thin with water or lime juice. For extra crispy nachos, reheat in oven for 2โ€“3 minutes before serving. Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt for vegan option. Check labels for gluten-free certification if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken nachos, layered nachos, avocado crema, game day snacks, easy nachos, party food, comfort food