Creamy Crockpot Chicken Nachos: The Easiest Party Food
Who doesn’t love nachos? They’re the perfect customizable dish, whether you’re serving a crowd at a party or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. And what’s even better than nachos? Crockpot chicken for nachos!
This recipe is so simple, it practically cooks itself. Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Seriously, it’s the perfect meal for busy people who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
And the best part? You can customize these nachos to your heart’s content. Whether you’re craving something spicy, savory, or a little bit of both, the possibilities are endless. This recipe is also super budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Why you’ll love crockpot chicken nachos
Crockpot chicken nachos are an easy, delicious, and customizable meal that everyone will enjoy. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
Simplicity and convenience
The best part about this recipe is that the crockpot does most of the work. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” kind of dish, with minimal hands-on prep time required.
Once the chicken is cooked, assembling the nachos is a breeze. Just layer the ingredients, bake or broil for a few minutes, and you’re ready to dig in.
Flavor and customization
The creamy chicken mixture is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of salsa, cream cheese, and tender chicken. It’s a unique and satisfying taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
And of course, nachos are all about the toppings! You can customize them to your heart’s content with all your favorite additions, like jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, and olives.
Budget-friendly and family-friendly
This recipe uses inexpensive and readily available ingredients, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal. Chicken thighs are often a more affordable choice than chicken breasts, without sacrificing flavor.
Plus, nachos are always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding kids or adults. Everyone can create their perfect plate with their favorite toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make some seriously delicious Crockpot chicken nachos:
The Core Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to shred, but boneless, skinless thighs will give you a richer, more flavorful result for just a few more cents per pound.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot. I’m partial to Aldi’s brand of mild salsa for this recipe.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this chicken so creamy. Full-fat cream cheese will give you the best flavor and texture, in my opinion.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth keeps the mixture from drying out as it cooks. I usually opt for low-sodium chicken broth in my cooking.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
- Taco Seasoning: For an extra boost of flavor, add a packet of taco seasoning (or make your own!).
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (Rotel): A can of Rotel adds a zesty kick to the chicken mixture and a bit of texture.
Nacho Essentials
- Tortilla Chips: Choose sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up to the weight of all the toppings.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses work well for nachos. Shredding the cheese yourself will help it melt more evenly.
Step-by-Step: Making Crockpot Chicken Nachos
Ready to make some amazing nachos? Here’s how:
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the chicken breasts, salsa, cream cheese, and chicken broth into your slow cooker. To help the cream cheese melt faster, cut it into cubes before you add it.
- Slow Cook: Cook the chicken on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. When you cook the chicken on low for a longer time, it comes out more tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Before you shred the chicken, make sure it’s cooked through. Then, using two forks, pull the chicken apart into shreds. Mix the shredded chicken with the melted cream cheese and salsa until everything is coated in a creamy sauce.
Assembling and Baking the Nachos
- Layer the Chips: Spread your tortilla chips on a large baking sheet, making sure you don’t overcrowd them. You may need two baking sheets.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the chips, and then top with plenty of shredded cheese.
- Bake or Broil: Bake the nachos at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes, or broil them for 1 to 2 minutes. You just want to melt the cheese without burning the chips.
Adding Your Favorite Toppings
Now comes the fun part! Get creative and add all your favorite toppings. Jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, olives, tomatoes, onions, cilantro — whatever you love on nachos, pile it on!
Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas
Crockpot chicken nachos are a blank canvas just waiting for your culinary creativity. Here are a few classic and not-so-classic topping ideas to get you started.
Classic Toppings
- Sour cream: A dollop of cool sour cream is a must-have for many nacho enthusiasts.
- Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and flavorful, guacamole adds healthy fats and a satisfying texture.
- Jalapeños: Pickled or fresh, jalapeños provide a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the other toppings.
- Black olives: Salty and briny, black olives offer a unique flavor contrast.
Creative Toppings
- Diced tomatoes and onions: Freshly diced tomatoes and onions add a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note to the party.
- Corn: Sweet corn kernels offer a delightful pop of sweetness.
- Beans: Black beans or pinto beans add extra protein and fiber, making your nachos even more filling.
Serving Ideas
- As an appetizer: Nachos are always a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and gatherings.
- As a main course: Piled high with toppings, nachos can easily be a satisfying and complete meal.
- With a side salad: For a well-rounded meal, serve your nachos with a fresh side salad to add some greens to the mix.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftover chicken? Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it within 3 days.
To reheat the chicken, microwave it or warm it on the stovetop. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or water.
Leftover nachos are best when they’re fresh. But, if you have some, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. Just be aware that the chips might get a little soggy.
Wrapping Up
This slow cooker chicken recipe is easy to make and tastes great! Because it’s so versatile, you can mix and match the toppings to suit your tastes.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let me know in the comments how you like to top your nachos!
Most of all, have fun and enjoy this tasty meal with your family and friends.