Prepare to have your taste buds taken on a wild ride with this Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burger with Crispy Onions! This epic creation combines the best of two beloved comfort foods – burgers and nachos – for a deliciously indulgent and satisfying meal. Get ready to dive into layers of juicy, smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, crisp tortilla chips, and crunchy fried onions, all nestled between soft, toasted buns. It’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burger with Crispy Onions
This loaded burger is the ultimate comfort food mashup, bringing together bold, craveable flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. The tender, juicy BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with the melted cheese, crisp chips, and creamy, tangy sauce, while the crispy onions add a delightful crunch. It’s a hearty, indulgent dish that’s guaranteed to warm your soul and leave you feeling totally satisfied. Plus, with easy, chef-tested steps, you can enjoy this cozy, crowd-pleasing meal at home any time.
Ingredients
The key to this Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burger is using high-quality, flavorful ingredients. You’ll need ground chicken or turkey, your favorite BBQ sauce, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, crispy fried onions, and a few simple seasonings and condiments to bring it all together.
- 1 lb – Ground chicken or turkey
- 2 tbsp – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder
- 1 cup – Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 1 cup – Crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup – Crispy fried onions
- 1/2 cup – Your favorite BBQ sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 4 – Soft burger buns, toasted
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken (for a different protein)
- Cheese: Try pepper jack or cheddar cheese (for a dietary swap)
How to Make Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burger with Crispy Onions
Get ready to assemble this epic burger with tender, smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, crisp chips, and crunchy onions.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by seasoning the ground chicken with a blend of spices, like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Form the seasoned chicken into patties and set them aside. Shred the cheese, crush the tortilla chips, and prepare the crispy fried onions.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up the grill or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken patties until they’re nicely charred and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. During the last minute of cooking, baste the patties with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Toast the buns until golden brown. Place the BBQ chicken patties on the bottom buns, then top with the shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, crispy fried onions, and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Serve these Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burgers with a side of creamy, tangy slaw or a fresh, zesty salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Melty Twist: Add a slice of pepper jack or cheddar cheese to the patties during the last minute of cooking.
- Chip Variations: Try using blue corn or jalapeño-flavored tortilla chips.
- Load It Up: Top the burgers with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of guacamole.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use plant-based ground “meat” or portobello mushroom caps instead of chicken.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Creamy slaw or a fresh, zesty salad.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in the microwave or a skillet before serving.
Make-Ahead: The chicken patties and toppings can be prepared in advance, but assemble the burgers just before serving for best results.
Nutrition Information
This hearty, indulgent burger packs a nutritious punch, with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the tortilla chips, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh toppings. Each serving provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied and energized.
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbs: 49 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 1,050 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your preferred ground meat for the chicken. The cooking process will remain the same.
How do I make the crispy fried onions?
You can find pre-made crispy fried onions in the grocery store, or easily make your own by thinly slicing onions, dipping them in a seasoned batter, and frying them until golden brown and crispy.
Can I assemble the burgers ahead of time?
For best results, we recommend assembling the burgers just before serving. The chips and onions can become soggy if assembled too far in advance. However, you can prepare the chicken patties and toppings ahead of time and assemble right before eating.
What should I serve with these Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burgers?
These burgers are hearty and satisfying on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a fresh, zesty salad or creamy coleslaw. You can also serve them with baked french fries or sweet potato wedges for a complete, comforting meal.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground “meat” or portobello mushroom caps in place of the chicken. And for a vegan option, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or avocado instead.
Try These Next
- Crispy Chicken Nachos With Spicy Cheese Drizzle
- Smoky Maple Bbq Chicken Sliders With Coleslaw
- Cheddar Stuffed Maple Bacon Burger With Caramelized Onions
Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burger with Crispy Onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Loaded BBQ Chicken Nacho Burger with Crispy Onions combines the classic flavors of BBQ chicken with the deliciousness of nachos, all piled high on a juicy burger. Perfect for a game day or any casual gathering!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
4 hamburger buns
2 cups tortilla chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1 cup crispy fried onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2.
3. Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4.
5. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
6.
7. In the last few minutes of grilling, brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken to caramelize.
8.
9. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.
10.
11. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill until golden brown.
12.
13. Assemble the burgers by placing shredded BBQ chicken on the bottom half of the bun.
14.
15. Top with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and crispy fried onions.
16.
17. Drizzle with sour cream and place the top half of the bun on before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before grilling.
Feel free to customize toppings based on your preferences.
Serve with a side of extra tortilla chips and BBQ sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: BBQ, Chicken, Nacho, Burger