I’ve been thinking about this recipe for a while, and it’s really good! We’re making BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Nachos. They’re a fun change from regular nachos. You can eat them during a game, at a party, or even for a fun dinner during the week.
They mix the yummy taste of BBQ chicken with healthy sweet potatoes. Then, we add lots of melted cheese and your favorite nacho toppings.
Recipe Overview
These aren’t regular nachos. Instead of tortilla chips, we’re using thin slices of sweet potato. This makes them taste good and a bit healthier.
Next, we add soft, shredded chicken covered in your favorite BBQ sauce. It’s very simple to prepare when using the correct components.
And you can’t have nachos without cheese! I use cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese because they melt really well.
Finally, we add the toppings. You can use things like fresh cilantro, chopped red onion, or creamy avocado. Pick whatever you like! I normally use some sour cream.
You can change this recipe to your liking. It’s filling and always makes people happy. You can make a big batch for a group or a smaller one for a quiet night at home.
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Nachos Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make these yummy nachos:
- 2 big sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin slices (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 ½ cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is easy to use!)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite kind!)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
- Other toppings you might like: sour cream, chopped avocado, jalapenos, black beans.
A tip for the sweet potatoes: Try to find ones that are about the same size. This way, they’ll cook evenly.
For the BBQ sauce, use any kind you like. It can be sweet, tangy, or even spicy.
You can also use different cheeses. A Mexican blend or pepper jack cheese (for a little spice) would be good.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s start cooking! Here’s how to make these BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Nachos:
- Get the Sweet Potatoes Ready: Turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C). Put parchment paper on a big baking sheet.
- Put the sweet potato slices in a big bowl. Mix them with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the slices are covered with the spices.
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Put the sweet potato slices on the baking sheet. Try to spread them out in a single layer. It’s okay if they touch a little, but don’t stack them up.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip them over halfway through. Cook them until they’re soft and a little crispy. Watch them so they don’t burn. They should be a little brown, but not too dark.
- Get the Chicken Ready: While the sweet potatoes are cooking, mix the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Make sure the chicken is all covered with sauce.
- Put the Nachos Together: When the sweet potatoes are done, take the baking sheet out of the oven.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on the sweet potato slices.
- Add the BBQ chicken on top of the cheese. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of the chicken.
- Melt the Cheese: Put the baking sheet back in the oven. Turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Add Toppings: Take the nachos out of the oven. Let them cool down for a few minutes.
- Add chopped red onion and fresh cilantro.
- Add any other toppings you like. Sour cream, chopped avocado, jalapenos, or black beans are good choices.
- Eat Right Away: These nachos are best when they’re fresh and the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Variations & Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add a little cayenne pepper to the sweet potato seasoning, or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also add sliced jalapenos.
- Make it Vegetarian: Don’t use chicken. Add a can of black beans (drained and rinsed) instead.
- Add More Vegetables: Cooked bell peppers and onions would taste great.
- Make it Ahead: You can cook the sweet potatoes and make the chicken mixture before you’re ready to eat. Keep them in the fridge in separate containers. When you’re ready, put the nachos together and bake/broil them.
- Storing Leftovers: You can keep leftovers in a container with a lid in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat up leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warm. You can also use the microwave, but the sweet potatoes might not be as crispy.
- Have extra BBQ Sauce You can serve extra BBQ sauce, the same used on the chicken, or offer a different flavor.
Key Details about BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Nachos
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Things you’ll need: Baking sheet, big bowl, medium bowl, parchment paper
FAQ
How do I make the sweet potatoes crispy?
Cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices (about 1/8 inch). Don’t put too many on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they’ll get soggy. Flip them over while they’re baking.
Can I use sweet potato fries that are already cooked?
It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes, but you can use frozen sweet potato fries if you need to. Cook them until they’re crispy before you put the nachos together. Follow the directions on the package.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Yes! You can use whatever you like. Shredded turkey would be good instead of chicken.
What’s the easiest way to shred the chicken?
You can use two forks to shred the chicken. Or, if you have a stand mixer, you can use it to shred the chicken quickly.
My cheese isn’t melting the same way all over. What should I do?
Make sure your oven rack is in the right spot for broiling (usually 6-8 inches from the heat). Watch the nachos closely while they’re broiling. They can burn fast. If some parts are melting faster, you can turn the baking sheet around.
Can I make these nachos if I don’t have an oven?
The best is using an oven to cook the sweet potatoes.
But, you could try cooking the sweet potatoes slices in a big pan on the stove. Cook them until they’re soft and a bit crispy, assemble, and cover.
It might be a bit different, but it can work.
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Nachos
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream avocado, jalapenos, black beans (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato slices with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
- Remove sweet potatoes from oven and sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Top with BBQ chicken mixture and remaining cheese.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Top with red onion and fresh cilantro.
- Add any other desired toppings like sour cream, avocado, jalapenos, or black beans. Serve immediately.