Crock Pot Healthy Nachos
Try this Crock Pot Healthy Nachos recipe.
Try this Crock Pot Healthy Nachos recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoonâ ground cumin
- 3/4 cup salsa verde (choose mild medium or spicy, depending upon your heat preference—i used medium)
- 1 small poblano pepper seeded and diced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can low sodium pinto beans rinsed and drained
- 8 yellow corn tortillas
- 6 ounces sargento 4 cheese mexican blend
- other desired nacho fixin's: chopped green onions sliced black olives, sliced jalapenos, cilantro, diced avocados, diced fresh tomatoes, sour cream
- Carbohydrate 1.15619666649485 g
- Cholesterol 78.4336806458333 mg
- Fat 3.73051784726433 g
- Fiber 0.230033330167442 g
- Protein 18.815670980179 g
- Saturated Fat 0.951622437492907 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (132g)
- Sodium 384.252366291627 mg
- Sugar 0.926163336327411 g
- Trans Fat 0.69815339603716 g
- Calories 118 calories
Step-by-step
- In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, place the chicken thighs, then sprinkle with cumin, chipotle chili pepper, garlic, and salt.
- Add the poblano (if using), then pour the salsa verde over the top.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it in the slow cooker.
- Stir in the pinto beans.
- Cover and let cook on high for 30 minutes to warm the beans while you prepare the tortilla chips.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cut each tortilla into 6 wedges, then arrange in a single layer on two ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 6 minutes, then with tongs (or quickly and carefully with your fingers), flip and sprinkle with salt.
- Rotate the pans between the top and bottom racks, then bake the chips an additional 6 to 9 minutes, until they are just beginning to turn golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Turn the oven to broil.
- Arrange the cooled tortilla chips on an oven-proof serving platter or pile all of them onto a single baking sheet.
- Spoon the chicken and bean mixture over the chips.
- Sprinkle with cheese, then place under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, then sprinkle with any additional desired nacho toppings.
- Enjoy immediately.
My Simple Weeknight Crock-Pot Nachos
As a busy working mom, finding quick and healthy meals for my family is always a top priority. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework, after-school activities, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dishes. So, when I discovered this crock-pot healthy nacho recipe, it became an instant staple in our dinner rotation. It's surprisingly easy, requires minimal active cooking time, and best of all, it satisfies everyone’s cravings for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I love that I can customize it to fit our preferences each time. Sometimes, I add a little extra spice with some diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Other times, I keep it mild, perfect for the little ones. I’ve even experimented with different types of beans—black beans work wonderfully too! And don't even get me started on the toppings. From fresh avocados and pico de gallo to a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro, the options are endless. This makes it incredibly versatile, allowing me to use whatever fresh ingredients I happen to have on hand.
The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful while I focus on other tasks. The aroma that fills the kitchen as the chicken simmers in the salsa verde is irresistible, always promising a delicious and satisfying meal. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze! The slow cooker makes washing dishes so much easier than dealing with pots and pans after a busy day.
This recipe is more than just a quick dinner solution; it's a family favorite. My kids love getting involved in the process, helping to assemble the nachos and choosing their favorite toppings. It’s a fun and engaging way to spend some quality time together before we all rush off to our evening activities. The recipe is adaptable enough to incorporate whatever ingredients your family prefers, creating a unique and personalized meal each time.
I encourage you to try this recipe. It's the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness, a recipe that will quickly become a go-to in your busy weeknight dinner repertoire. Trust me; your family will thank you for it!
Tips and Variations for Your Crock-Pot Nacho Adventure:
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a few diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also experiment with different types of salsa verde, choosing a spicier variety for a more intense flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed. Add a tablespoon of chili powder for extra flavor.
Cheese Lovers Delight: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a pepper jack would be fantastic additions.
Get Creative with Toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings! The possibilities are endless: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and even a squeeze of lime juice can all add a burst of freshness and flavor to your nachos.
Make it a Party Snack: This recipe is perfect for parties and gatherings! Just double or triple the recipe and prepare it in a larger slow cooker or multiple smaller ones. Serve it with a variety of toppings for your guests to customize their own nachos.
Meal Prep Magic: You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Then, when you're ready to assemble the nachos, simply heat the chicken and assemble as instructed. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
This Crock-Pot Healthy Nachos recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious food that brings families together. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a nacho night that everyone will love!
