Share this with someone who'd love it
BBQ Chicken Nachos on the Big Green Egg | Backyard Smoke Show
These BBQ Chicken Nachos on the Big Green Egg are the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. Layers of tortilla chips, freshly grated cheddar, mozzarella, smoky barbecue chicken, and red onion are baked until the cheese is bubbling and the chips are golden at the edges.
Ingredients
- 1 full bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 4-6 grilled barbecue chicken thighs, diced
- BBQ sauce, for finishing
- Mayo or sour cream, for finishing
- Pickled jalapeños, for finishing
- Sliced green onions, for finishing
- Guacamole, for finishing
EGGcessories
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Set Up the Big Green Egg
Light the charcoal and set up your Big Green Egg for direct grilling at 400°F. Season your chicken thighs and grill to an internal temp of 165°.
After the chicken is finished, add your convEGGtor for indirect baking and bring the Egg to 500°F.
Once the Egg is stabilized, set up the Large Pizza Wedge and preheat the pizza stone.
2. Build the First Layer
In the cast-iron skillet, spread out two large handfuls of tortilla chips. Top with half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, diced red onion, and barbecue chicken thighs.
3. Add the Second Layer
Repeat with the remaining chips, cheese, red onion, and chicken. Layering helps make sure every scoop gets a good mix of chips, meat, cheese, and toppings.
4. Bake on the Big Green Egg
Transfer the skillet to the prepared Egg and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chips are lightly golden around the edges.
5. Add the Finishing Touches
Remove the nachos from the Egg. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and mayo or sour cream. Sprinkle with pickled jalapeños and sliced green onions, then finish with dollops of guacamole.
6. Serve Immediately
Serve hot while the cheese is melted and the chips are crisp.
Expert Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Chicken thighs work especially well because they stay juicy and flavorful.
- Layer the nachos instead of piling everything on top so every bite has toppings.
- Keep toppings like guacamole and mayo or sour cream for after baking.
- Add pickled jalapeños at the end for brightness and heat.
- Use a sturdy tortilla chip so the nachos hold up under the cheese and chicken.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Chicken Nachos on the Big Green Egg are smoky, cheesy, crunchy, and built for sharing. The Pizza Wedge and stone help create an evenly heated baking environment, while the Big Green Egg adds that unmistakable live-fire flavor.
This is an easy appetizer that feels big, bold, and fun. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just making dinner more exciting, these nachos deliver.
