Loaded Barbecue Chicken Nachos

Ingredients

• 1 bag Frozen Tater Tots (about 32 oz, frozen)
• 1 lb Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for skillet)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded from block for best melt)
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce (or any BBQ sauce of your choice)
• 3 strips Bacon Strips (cut into bite‑size pieces after cooking)
• 0.25 medium Red Onion (diced, optional)
• 1 whole Jalapeño Pepper (sliced, optional for heat)
• to taste Salt (for seasoning tots and chicken)
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 350°F

2. Arrange Tater Tots

   Spread the frozen tater tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.

   Time: PT2M

3. Partial Bake Tots

   Bake the tater tots for 15 minutes, just until they are halfway cooked.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 350°F

4. Heat Skillet

   While the tots bake, place a skillet over medium‑high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.

   Time: PT2M

5. Season Chicken

   Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season generously with salt and pepper (add any favorite spices).

   Time: PT3M

6. Cook Chicken – First Side

   Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 3‑4 minutes without moving it.

   Time: PT4M

7. Cook Chicken – Second Side

   Flip the chicken pieces and cook another 3‑4 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).

   Time: PT4M

8. Rest and Shred Chicken

   Remove the chicken from the skillet, let rest 2 minutes, then cut or shred into bite‑size pieces.

   Time: PT3M

9. Fry Bacon

   In the same skillet, add the bacon strips and fry until crisp, breaking them into smaller pieces as they cook.

   Time: PT5M

10. Grate Cheeses

    While the bacon cooks, grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses from their blocks.

    Time: PT3M

11. Prep Fresh Toppings

    Dice the red onion and slice the jalapeño (if using).

    Time: PT3M

12. Season Partially Baked Tots

    Remove the tater tots from the oven and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

    Time: PT2M

13. First Layer Assembly

    Scatter half of the shredded mozzarella over the tots, then add half the diced red onion and half the chicken pieces. Sprinkle another layer of mozzarella.

    Time: PT5M

14. Add Remaining Toppings

    Repeat the previous step with the remaining mozzarella, onion, and chicken. Top with crumbled bacon, drizzle BBQ sauce, and add jalapeño slices if desired.

    Time: PT3M

15. Final Bake

    Return the loaded tots to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are golden.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

16. Rest Before Serving

    Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

810

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

70g

Fat

45g

Fiber

5g