Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mind-blowing Simple Crock Pot Chicken Nachos! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken melting into crispy tortilla chips, topped with gooey cheese and your favorite garnishes - all prepared with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you're hosting a game day party, craving a quick family meal, or simply want to indulge in a delicious Mexican-inspired feast, this recipe is your ticket to nacho nirvana!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- Optional toppings: jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them completely.
- Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, making sure to cover the meat thoroughly.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and easily shreddable.
- After 4 hours, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the accumulated salsa and seasoning.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the tortilla chips.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chicken-covered chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and add optional toppings like sliced jalapenos, dollops of sour cream, or fresh guacamole.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your Simple Crock Pot Chicken Nachos!
Tips
- For extra flavor, use a combination of salsa types (like mild and medium) to create a more complex taste profile.
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking in the crock pot.
- Don't rush the shredding process - letting the chicken cook slowly makes it incredibly tender and easy to break apart.
- For crispier chips, briefly toast them in the oven before adding chicken and cheese.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese mix.
- Prep your toppings in advance to make the final assembly quick and easy.
- If you want a spicier kick, add some hot sauce to the salsa or use a spicy taco seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
