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Crockpot Creamy Chicken Nachos

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish combines tender chicken chunks slow-cooked with cream of chicken soup and Rotel to create a rich and creamy topping. Black beans add optional heartiness while salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Melted cheddar cheese stirred in last delivers a gooey, cheesy finish. Serve generously over crisp tortilla chips and finish with toppings like avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, or olives for a perfect casual crowd-pleaser.

Ideal for game days or easy weeknight gatherings, it uses pantry staples and requires little hands-on time while delivering bold, comforting flavors. Adaptable with different cheeses or skip the beans for simpler taste. Leftovers keep well refrigerated or frozen and reheat gently without losing creaminess.

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A woman in a white chef's coat holding a glass of wine.
Provided By Lina
Last updated on Sun, 28 Sep 2025 19:45:01 GMT
A plate of nachos with white cheese and sour cream. Bookmark
A plate of nachos with white cheese and sour cream. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This creamy chicken nacho topping made in the crockpot brings together tender chicken, cream of chicken soup, Rotel, and optional black beans for a rich and flavorful spread. The slow cooker does all the work to meld these ingredients into a perfectly saucy and cheesy mix that is ideal for game days, casual gatherings, or any time you want a satisfying snack that feels special but requires little effort. Once cooked, the addition of melted sharp cheddar cheese gives it that smooth, gooey finish that clings perfectly to crunchy tortilla chips.

I first made this during a hectic football season, and it quickly became our goto dish whenever friends came over. Now it’s a tradition that everyone asks for and loves sharing.

Ingredients

  • Diced raw chicken breast: Diced raw chicken breast creates a moist and hearty protein base. Look for pieces that are plump and pink for the best texture
  • Cream of chicken soup: Cream of chicken soup adds richness and a silky sauce. Opt for low sodium to better control the seasoning
  • Rotel: Rotel brings tangy tomato flavor and customizable heat. Pick your favorite spice level to match your taste
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gives that classic cheesy pull. Hand shredding melts more smoothly than preshredded bags
  • Black beans: Black beans add extra fiber and substance if you want a heartier dish. Choose firm canned beans that hold their shape when squeezed
  • Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors without overpowering the cheese or tomato
  • Tortilla chips: Tortilla chips are the vehicle for serving. Use sturdy chips that won’t get soggy quickly under the creamy topping

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Dice chicken breasts into bite sized pieces about one inch or slightly smaller. This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy throughout the slow cooking process.
Layer and Combine in Crockpot:
Place the chicken pieces in the crockpot and add both cans of cream of chicken soup. Pour in the Rotel along with its liquid for extra moisture. Stir in black beans if using. Mix everything very well so that every piece of chicken is coated in the flavorful sauce.
Season and Set to Cook:
Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture. Cover with the crockpot lid and cook on low for four to six hours or on high for two to three hours. The chicken should be tender enough to break apart easily with a fork but still moist.
Add Cheese at the Finish:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. This makes the mixture glossy, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy.
Serve and Top:
Spoon the hot, cheesy chicken mixture over tortilla chips arranged on a platter. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, or olives to add extra layers of flavor and texture.
A plate of nachos with white cheese and chicken.
A plate of nachos with white cheese and chicken. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

Rotel is my favorite ingredient because it adds the perfect balance of tangy tomato and mild spice. I always remember my youngest eagerly piling on jalapenos for an extra crunchy zing every time we make this.

Storage Tips

Allow the nacho mixture to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, portion into single servings to reheat only what you need. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap raw chicken for cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down prep and shorten crockpot time. If cream of chicken soup is not available, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soups also work well for a slightly different but delicious flavor. Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses to change up the cheesy profile or add a bit more spice.

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the creamy mixture onto warm tortilla chips for classic nachos or serve in bowls alongside chips for dipping. Wrap the mixture in warm flour tortillas to make cheesier, saucier chicken tacos. Serve over a bed of rice for a comforting Tex Mex style bowl. Create a toppings bar with jalapenos, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro so everyone can customize their nachos.

A plate of nachos with white cheese and green onions.
A plate of nachos with white cheese and green onions. | deliciousrecipeshere.com

This recipe is a winner every time I make it because it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort and flavor. It’s become a reliable dish for busy days and festive occasions alike.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can pre-cooked chicken be used instead of raw?

Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can replace raw chicken. Just adjust the cooking time to heat through without overcooking.

→ How spicy is the dish?

The spice level depends on the Rotel variety chosen, ranging from mild to hot. Select your preferred spice for desired heat.

→ Are black beans required in the mixture?

Beans are optional and can be omitted to keep the topping simple and bean-free, depending on your preference.

→ What toppings work best with this chicken nacho mix?

Popular toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, sliced olives, and extra shredded cheese to add texture and flavor contrast.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze portions. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.

Creamy Chicken Nachos

Slow-cooked creamy chicken with cheddar and Rotel, ideal for topping crispy tortilla chips and gathering guests.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
240 minutes
Total Time
255 minutes
Provided By: Lina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Inspiration: American Tex Mex

Portion Size: 6 Serving Size (servings)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free

What You’ll Need

→ Proteins

01 1 pound raw chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

→ Canned Goods

02 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup, low sodium
03 1 (10 oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, including liquid
04 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

→ Dairy

05 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste

→ Servings

08 Tortilla chips, sturdy variety for serving
09 Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced olives

Steps to Make This

Step 01

Dice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces approximately 1 inch or smaller to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.

Step 02

Place the diced chicken into the slow cooker. Add both cans of cream of chicken soup and the entire can of Rotel with juice. Include black beans if using. Stir thoroughly to coat chicken evenly with the sauce.

Step 03

Lightly season with salt and black pepper. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork but not dried out.

Step 04

Once the chicken is cooked, add shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a glossy, creamy mixture.

Step 05

Spoon the creamy chicken mixture over a bed of sturdy tortilla chips. Top as desired with sour cream, avocado chunks, jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro, or olives before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. This dish is naturally gluten free when using gluten free cream of chicken soup. For enhanced texture and melt, shred cheese by hand rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
  2. Leftover mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days or portioned and frozen for longer storage. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp kitchen knife

Allergy Warnings

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Contains dairy and poultry