Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce—all slow-cooked to perfection and scooped onto crispy tortilla chips. Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos are the ultimate comfort food. They combine the bold flavors of Tex-Mex with the ease of dump-and-go slow cooking. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a lazy weekend, this dish is your best friend.
Why Choose the Crockpot Method?
Why fuss over the stove when your slow cooker can do all the heavy lifting? Using a crockpot allows all the flavors to meld beautifully over time. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the creamy ingredients blend into a luscious sauce. Plus, it’s a hands-off cooking method—just toss everything in and let it go!
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos
These creamy, cheesy nachos are the ultimate comfort food. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work. Just toss everything in, wait a few hours, and you’ve got a deliciously rich topping ready to scoop over chips.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (you can use rotisserie or leftover chicken)
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc.)
Optional for topping:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro
- Avocado or guacamole
Instructions:
Layer the Crockpot
Add your shredded cooked chicken, drained black beans, Rotel (don’t drain it), taco seasoning, and cream cheese to the crockpot.
Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot to 4-6 hours. (or 2-3 hours on High!). Stir occasionally if you’re around, but it’s fine if you just let it go.
Stir and Add Cheese
Once the cream cheese is soft and everything’s hot, give it a good stir to fully combine. Then add the shredded cheddar and stir again until smooth and melty.
Serve it Up
Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over tortilla chips and pile on your favorite toppings. Perfect for movie night, game day, or just because!
Pro Tips:
- Want it spicier? Add a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños while cooking.
- Too thick? Stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up.
- Make it a meal: serve over rice or inside warm tortillas for a creamy chicken taco twist.
How to Get the Creamiest Texture
The secret? Full-fat cream cheese and a combo of cheddar and mozzarella. Make sure the cheese is added in the last 30 minutes to avoid clumping. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick.
Best Chips for Nachos – What to Use
Go for thick-cut tortilla chips—they hold up best under creamy toppings. Want to impress guests? Fry your own corn tortillas for restaurant-style crispiness.
Topping Ideas and Garnishes
Fresh Additions
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeño rings
- Chopped cilantro
Sauces and Drizzles
- Sour cream or crema
- Ranch or chipotle ranch
- Salsa verde or pico de gallo
Side Dishes to Serve With Creamy Chicken Nachos
Make it a full meal! Pair with:
- A side of black beans or refried beans
- Cilantro lime rice
- A simple corn salad or guacamole
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos
Storing:
- Let the mixture cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container (without chips).
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in a bowl for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Warm on low, stirring often. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
- Crockpot: For big batches, reheat on low for 1–2 hours.
FAQs – Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! Just place raw chicken breasts in the crockpot first. Cook on low for 5–6 hours, then shred and mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Can I make it without beans?
Absolutely. The beans are optional. You can leave them out or swap them with corn or extra chicken.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar melts great, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Velveeta for extra creaminess.
How do I make it spicier?
Use spicy Rotel, add hot sauce, or toss in chopped jalapeños. Easy heat upgrade!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make the creamy chicken mix a day in advance and reheat before serving. Just add fresh chips and toppings when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos are the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. They’re cheesy, rich, and packed with flavor—plus the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe brings all the bold Tex-Mex flavors with minimal effort.
What makes it even better? You can tweak it to your taste. Like it spicy? Add heat. Want it meatless? Skip the chicken and toss in more beans or veggies. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and downright delicious.
Print
Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos
- Total Time: 2h35min
Description
These Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos are loaded with tender chicken, melty cheese, and zesty flavors. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and serve over chips for the ultimate easy comfort food!
Ingredients
- 20 oz Cream of Chicken Soup 2 cans
- 10 oz Black Beans drained (completely optional)
- 14 oz Rotel whatever level of spice you desire (14 oz can)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 2 large Chicken Breasts diced
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
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Dump everything into the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. (or 2-3 hours on High!)20 oz Cream of Chicken Soup,10 oz Black Beans,14 oz Rotel,1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese,2 large Chicken Breasts,salt & pepper to taste
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Serve over tortilla chips and garnish with minced cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado or black olives, etc. Whatever you like on your nachos!
- Prep Time: 5minutes
- Cook Time: 2h30min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings