Description
Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Nachos bring Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table. Tender chicken, zesty seasonings, and crispy tortilla chips create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies comfort cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ½ cup olives
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon scallions
- Sea salt and black pepper (to taste)
Base and Liquid:
- 14–16 ounces (396–453 grams) tortilla chips
- ½ cup chicken broth
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded lettuce
- Pickled jalapeños
- Avocado
- Black beans
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by whisking chicken broth with taco seasoning in a 4-quart (3.8 liters) slow-cooker. Incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic to infuse depth of flavor.
- Season of chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then gently place them into the seasoned liquid mixture.
- Allow chicken to cook thoroughly on high temperature for 3 hours or low temperature for 6-7 hours until meat becomes tender and easily pulls apart.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a large cutting board and let it rest for 7-10 minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return to the slow-cooker and stir with cooking liquid to maintain moisture.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange a layer of crisp tortilla chips across a large rimmed baking sheet, creating an even base.
- Distribute shredded chicken evenly over chips and generously sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and chips become slightly crisp around edges.
- Garnish with sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, chopped scallions, and optional jalapeños for extra zest.
- Serve immediately alongside sour cream, fresh guacamole, and zesty salsa for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or casual meal.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by letting chicken rest before shredding, allowing juices to redistribute and keep meat tender.
- Customize toppings based on personal preference, creating a unique nacho experience every time.
- Leftover chicken stores perfectly in airtight containers for quick meals throughout the week.
- Slow-cooker method guarantees moist, perfectly seasoned chicken with minimal kitchen effort.
- Versatile recipe works great for game day, family dinners, or spontaneous gathering with friends.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking, Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg