Crockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe (My Viral Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos Recipe)

Last Updated on July 14, 2025 by Allison Lancaster

These creamy Crockpot Chicken Nachos are a quick and easy slow cooker dinner your whole family will love. Made with just a few ingredients, this budget-friendly chicken nacho recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and always a crowd favorite.

If your evenings are anything like mine, dinnertime can feel like a race against the clock. That’s why I always keep this Crockpot Chicken Nachos recipe in my back pocket. It’s one of the easiest and most delicious slow cooker meals I’ve ever made.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Nachos

This recipe has stood the test of time because it is:

• Made with just 7 easy ingredients
• Quick to prep with almost no chopping
• Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day
• Family-friendly and customizable
• Great for leftovers and meal prep

These nachos are creamy, flavorful, and full of Tex-Mex goodness. You can serve them on tortilla chips, in taco shells, or even over rice for a versatile, no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Nachos

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this recipe. Most of them are pantry staples and fridge favorites.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use chicken thighs): I’ve used boneless skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, but you could also use shredded chicken from boneless skinless chicken thighs if you’d prefer or if you have leftovers. Perdue chicken is great, but you can use your favorite brand of raw chicken.
• 1 packet taco seasoning: My favorite is the Aldi brand of low-sodium taco seasoning.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: you can also use regular chicken broth, but I have tested both regular and lower sodium types in this recipe and I personally think the lower sodium tastes better. 
• 1 jar mild salsa (or medium for more heat): I love using Aldi’s brand of mild salsa for this recipe. Feel free to add a hot salsa to add a bit of spice to your nachos. Chili powder could also be added to the salsa mixture for a kick of heat. Pico de Gallo is another great option for this nacho recipe.
• 1 jar Taco Bell Salsa Con Queso (Velveeta works as a substitute): Get the Taco Bell brand of Salsa Con Queso…just trust me on this. Honestly, any brand will work but I really like the flavor that the Taco Bell brand gives to these easy chicken nachos.
• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Optional add-ins: black beans, corn, or a can of Rotel for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Chicken Nachos in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Add Ingredients

Place the raw chicken in your Crockpot along with the taco seasoning and chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours.

Step 2: Add Salsa

About halfway through the cook time or after 2 hours on high, add the salsa. This helps infuse the chicken with extra flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. It should be tender and pull apart easily.

Step 4: Add Queso and Finish Cooking

Stir in the Salsa Con Queso and allow everything to heat together for another 15 to 20 minutes on high. This will make the mixture creamy, cheesy, and ready for nachos.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the hot chicken and queso mixture over tortilla chips and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, sour cream, or diced tomatoes.

Topping Ideas for Chicken Nachos

Here are some great topping combinations for your slow cooker chicken nachos:

• Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese
• Chopped green onions
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
• Jalapeños or green chiles
• Sliced black olives
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh lime juice or cilantro

Let everyone in the family build their own nacho plate with their favorite toppings.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Refrigerate:
Store leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat:
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth if the mixture has thickened too much.

Freeze:
Freeze the chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

More Ways to Use the Chicken Nacho Mixture

This creamy chicken is not just for nachos. Here are other easy dinner ideas:

• Tacos: Spoon the mixture into taco shells with shredded lettuce and cheese
• Enchiladas: Roll the chicken into tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake
• Rice Bowls: Serve over cooked rice with toppings for a hearty bowl
• Quesadillas: Use the chicken mixture and shredded cheese inside flour tortillas
• Sliders: Add to small buns for a quick lunch or party appetizer

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Nachos

Turn your nachos into a full meal with one of these simple side dishes:

• Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice
• Corn on the cob
• Black beans or refried beans
• A simple green salad
• Fresh fruit or a pineapple salsa

Expert Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Nachos

• Use a quality salsa: Cheaper salsas can be watery and may result in a thinner sauce. Look for one with minimal added liquid.
• Go with low-sodium broth: It gives you more control over the flavor and salt level.
• Let the queso warm slowly: Stirring it in at the end and giving it time to melt ensures a smooth texture.
• Thicken runny mixtures: If the finished mixture is too thin, leave the lid off and cook on high for 30 to 45 more minutes or stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese.

Slow Cooker Chicken Nachos FAQ’s:

This Crockpot Chicken Nachos recipe is a weeknight staple in my kitchen. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re using it for nachos, tacos, rice bowls, or enchiladas, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Slow cooker meals like this are made for busy nights when you need dinner on the table with minimal effort. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest so I can see your version.

Crockpot Chicken Nachos Recipe: