Irresistible Crockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe for Game Day Joy

Whipping up some seriously delicious crockpot chicken nachos could become your new weekend obsession.

Crispy tortilla chips await their cheesy destiny beneath tender, slow-cooked poultry.

Layers of melted goodness promise an explosion of flavor that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Mexican-inspired comfort food meets effortless cooking in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple ingredients collaborate to create magic inside your trusty appliance.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment when you serve these nachos.

Why Crockpot Chicken Nachos Hit the Spot

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Taco seasoning and salsa create a zesty, bold taste that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for gatherings and game days.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to potluck parties, with simple customization of toppings and cheese choices.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Slow cooker technique ensures tender, flavorful chicken without constant monitoring, allowing you to relax while the meal cooks itself.

What Goes in Crockpot Chicken Nachos

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the base of the nachos.

• Taco Seasoning: Spicy blend that gives Mexican-style flavor.
• Salsa: Chunky tomato sauce that adds zest and moisture.
• Salsa Con Queso: Creamy cheese sauce for extra richness.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid to keep chicken moist during cooking.

• Tortilla Chips: Crispy base for holding the chicken mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping to complete the nachos.

Crockpot Chicken Nachos Game Plan

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.

Pour chicken broth over the chicken to keep it moist and tender.

Step 2: Season and Initial Cook

Sprinkle taco seasoning generously over the chicken.

Cover the crockpot and cook on high temperature for one hour.

Step 3: Add First Layer of Salsa

Pour half of the salsa over the partially cooked chicken.

Cover and continue cooking on low heat for two hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Shred and Enhance Chicken

Remove chicken and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Add remaining salsa and salsa con queso to the shredded chicken.

Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

Step 6: Finalize Chicken Mixture

Cook on low heat for 30-45 minutes.

If the mixture seems too liquid, switch to high heat and cook in 10-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Assemble Nachos

Create a base layer of tortilla chips on a plate.

Generously spoon the warm chicken mixture over the chips.

Step 8: Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken-covered chips.

For melted cheese, microwave the nachos for 30-35 seconds.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while the nachos are warm and cheese is melted.

Optional: Add additional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced jalapeños.

Helpful Notes for Crockpot Chicken Nachos

• Experiment with different taco seasonings or make your own blend for a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Monitor the chicken mixture's texture during cooking, adjusting heat and cooking time to achieve the perfect, not-too-watery consistency.
• Try different types of tortilla chips like blue corn, multigrain, or restaurant-style to add unique textures and flavors to your nachos.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender result or use turkey as a leaner alternative to traditional chicken.
• Add fresh garnishes like diced cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole to elevate the nacho experience and add extra layers of flavor.

Leftover and Reheat Help for Crockpot Chicken Nachos

• Store leftover chicken nacho mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and reaching a safe temperature.
• Place chicken mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Transfer cooled chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Favorite Add-Ons for Crockpot Chicken Nachos

• Flavor Fusion: Pair these zesty chicken nachos with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial for a perfectly balanced bite.
• Cooling Companion: Whip up a fresh, tangy pico de gallo as a side dip to complement the rich, spicy chicken mixture and add brightness to each nacho.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Blend a classic lime margarita with a hint of salt to cut through the richness of the cheesy, saucy nachos and cleanse the palate.
• Texture Contrast: Serve with a light, creamy guacamole that provides a smooth counterpoint to the crunchy chips and helps cool down the spicy chicken.

Fun Ways to Tweak Crockpot Chicken Nachos

• Vegetarian Nacho Delight: Replace chicken with black beans or jackfruit, using the same seasoning and cooking method for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, and chipotle seasoning to increase heat and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn tortilla chips and verify taco seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Nacho Bowl: Skip chips and serve chicken mixture over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly in the crockpot and shred perfectly for nachos.

• Can I use homemade taco seasoning instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade taco seasoning can add a more personalized flavor to your chicken nachos. Just ensure you use the same quantity as a typical packet.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

The chicken broth and salsa help keep the meat moist during slow cooking. Avoid overcooking and be sure to stir occasionally to maintain moisture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. You can control the heat by selecting mild or hot versions of these ingredients according to your preference.

Crockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy “Crockpot Chicken Nachos” deliver a fiesta of flavors straight from Mexican cuisine’s playbook. Layers of crispy tortilla chips, tender shredded chicken, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll devour with pure excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa con queso

Toppings and Extras:

• 1/2 bag tortilla chips
• 1 8 ounces (226 grams) bag of shredded Mexican blend cheese

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Instructions

1. Arrange chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly positioned.
2. Pour chicken broth over the chicken, creating a moisture base for cooking.
3. Generously sprinkle taco seasoning across the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.
4. Secure the lid and set the crockpot to high temperature, cooking for approximately 60 minutes.
5. Midway through cooking, introduce half of the salsa, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Reduce heat to low, continue cooking for 2 hours, gently stirring at periodic intervals.
7. Once chicken is tender, use two forks to meticulously shred the meat into delicate strands.
8. Incorporate remaining salsa and salsa con queso into the shredded chicken, mixing until well combined.
9. Return the mixture to low heat, allowing ingredients to integrate for 30-45 minutes.
10. If excess liquid is present, incrementally increase heat to high, stirring every 10 minutes until desired consistency is achieved.
11. Select a serving plate and arrange tortilla chips in a single layer.
12. Carefully spoon the seasoned chicken mixture atop the chips, ensuring even distribution.
13. Liberally sprinkle shredded cheese over the nachos.
14. Optional: Place nachos in microwave for 30-35 seconds to melt cheese thoroughly.

Notes

• Control moisture by adjusting cooking time, checking liquid levels periodically to prevent soggy nachos.
• Experiment with different protein options like shredded beef or pulled pork for variety in this versatile recipe.
• Select low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to manage salt content for health-conscious diners.
• Customize toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole to enhance flavor profile and personal preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg