These Crockpot Chicken Nachos are the ultimate easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish perfect for game days, parties, or a simple family dinner. With tender slow-cooked chicken, creamy cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Let the crockpot do all the work for you.
- Creamy & Flavorful – A rich combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and cream cheese.
- Perfect for Sharing – Great for game nights, parties, or casual gatherings.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- Taco seasoning – Adds bold, classic Mexican flavors.
- Salsa – Provides a tangy and slightly spicy base.
- Black beans – Adds texture and protein.
- Sweet corn – Brings a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Cream cheese – Creates a creamy, indulgent sauce.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese – Melts beautifully for extra cheesiness.
- Tortilla chips – A crunchy base for the nacho goodness.
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Nachos
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the salsa, black beans, and drained corn on top.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or low for 3.5-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
- Lay the cream cheese on top of the shredded chicken mixture.
- Close the lid and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften.
- Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Nachos
- Place tortilla chips on a serving plate or large platter.
- Spoon the creamy crockpot nacho chicken over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese over the warm chicken mixture.
- Add your favorite toppings for extra flavor and freshness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and cheesy. If needed, microwave the nachos for a few seconds to ensure the cheese fully melts before adding fresh toppings.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay tender and shred beautifully.
- Let the Cream Cheese Fully Melt – Stirring well ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or use a hot salsa for a kick.
- Keep Chips Crispy – Assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
- As a Main Dish – Serve as a hearty, satisfying meal with all your favorite toppings.
- As a Party Appetizer – Arrange on a platter for a fun, shareable snack.
- With a Side of Guacamole – Avocado pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the shredded chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Simply mix the shredded rotisserie chicken with the seasonings, salsa, and cream cheese and heat until warmed through.
What’s the best way to keep nachos crispy?
Serve the chicken mixture separately and let guests assemble their own nachos just before eating.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely! Try diced avocado, pickled onions, or black olives for more flavor.
These Crockpot Chicken Nachos are cheesy, creamy, and loaded with bold flavors. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to be a hit!
PrintCrockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
Crockpot Chicken Nachos are a delightful fusion of tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa, creamy cheese, and hearty beans, all slow-cooked to perfection. This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or a satisfying family dinner. Serve it over crispy tortilla chips and customize with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
-
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 16 ounces salsa (1 jar)
- 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15.25-ounce can sweet corn, drained
- 8 ounces cream cheese
-
For Serving:
- 13 ounces tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
-
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Chopped cilantro
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
-
Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the salsa on top, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
- Add the drained black beans and sweet corn, distributing them evenly.
-
Cook the Chicken Mixture:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- 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.
-
Shred the Chicken and Add Cream Cheese:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the beans, corn, and salsa.
- Place the cream cheese on top of the mixture. Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cream cheese to soften.
- After 5 minutes, stir the cream cheese into the chicken mixture until well combined and creamy.
-
Assemble the Nachos:
- Arrange a layer of tortilla chips on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over the chips, distributing it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top.
-
Melt the Cheese:
- The heat from the chicken mixture should melt the shredded cheese. If needed, microwave the assembled nachos briefly to ensure the cheese is fully melted.
-
Add Toppings and Serve:
- Garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, or sliced jalapeños.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
-
Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture appears too liquidy after cooking, remove the slow cooker’s lid and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the desired consistency is reached.
-
Alternative Serving Suggestions: Beyond nachos, this flavorful chicken mixture can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for baked potatoes.
-
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 631kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1139mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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