Crockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken Nachos are a simple and flavorful dish perfect for game day or a casual dinner. Tender, slow-cooked chicken gets mixed with beans, corn, and creamy cheese for a delicious topping over crispy tortilla chips. This recipe makes sharing easy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (1 packet)
• 16 ounces salsa (1 jar)
• 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
• 15.25 ounce can sweet corn, drained (1 can)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 13 ounces tortilla chips
• Sour cream, for serving
• Pico de gallo, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Shredded lettuce, for topping
• Sliced jalapenos, optional for heat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lay the chicken on the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, then pour the salsa on top. Add the drained black beans and corn.
2. Step 2: Cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the beans, corn, and salsa mixture.
4. Step 4: Place the cream cheese on top of the chicken mixture and close the lid for 5 minutes to allow it to soften. Then mix the cream cheese into the mixture until creamy and well blended.
5. Step 5: To assemble, spread tortilla chips on a serving plate. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with shredded Mexican blend cheese.
6. Step 6: The cheese will melt from the heat of the chicken mixture. If you want it melted faster, microwave briefly after adding the cheese before adding additional toppings.
7. Step 7: Top with sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapenos as desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
• Swap the cream cheese for sour cream for a tangier flavor.
• Add extra heat by mixing in diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce into the chicken mixture.
• For a vegetarian version, use a meat substitute or extra beans and veggies instead of chicken.
• Serve with guacamole or sliced avocado for added creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortilla chips separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble the nachos just before serving to keep the chips crisp.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Sour cream or Greek yogurt can be stirred into the chicken for a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor.

Crockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 84 reviews

This Crockpot Chicken Nachos recipe delivers a flavorful and creamy twist on classic nachos. Tender chicken cooked slowly in a zesty salsa and taco seasoning blend mingles with black beans and sweet corn. Cream cheese is stirred in for richness, making the topping irresistibly creamy. Served over crispy tortilla chips and topped with melted Mexican cheese and fresh garnishes like sour cream, pico de gallo, cilantro, lettuce, and jalapenos, these nachos are perfect for a casual party or a comforting game day snack.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs
• 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (1 packet)
• 16 ounces salsa (1 jar)
• 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
• 15.25 ounce can sweet corn, drained (1 can)
• 8 ounces cream cheese

Assembly and Toppings

• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 13 ounces tortilla chips
• Sour cream, for serving
• Pico de gallo, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Shredded lettuce, for garnish
• Sliced jalapenos, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lay the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, then pour the jar of salsa on top. Add the drained and rinsed black beans and drained sweet corn to the slow cooker. This mixture will infuse the chicken with bold, classic Mexican flavors as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
3. Shred and Mix: Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker, then stir everything to combine evenly. Place the cream cheese in chunks on top of the mixture, close the lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the cream cheese. Then stir it in to create a creamy, rich nacho chicken base.
4. Assemble the Nachos: Arrange the tortilla chips on a large serving plate or platter. Spoon the creamy nacho chicken mixture over the chips. Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese on top; the heat from the chicken mixture will melt the cheese. If you want the cheese melted faster, microwave the assembled nachos briefly before adding cold toppings.
5. Add Toppings and Serve: Garnish with dollops of sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, and sliced jalapenos according to your preference. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and crunchy in each bite.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs if you prefer a more flavorful and tender result.
• Adjust the jalapenos and taco seasoning amount to control the spice level.
• Leftover nacho chicken mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
• For a quicker cheese melt, briefly microwave the nachos after sprinkling the cheese.
• Perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners.

Keywords: Crockpot chicken nachos, slow cooker nachos, creamy chicken nachos, easy Mexican recipe, game day snack