Cheesy Chicken Nachos

Featured in: Homemade Spreads for Any Occasion

Enjoy a creamy blend of chicken, cheese, tomatoes, and beans cooked easily in your crockpot—ideal for gatherings.

A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Fri, 09 May 2025 14:58:36 GMT
A black bowl with creamy chicken and tomato dip, topped with fresh cilantro. Pin it
A black bowl with creamy chicken and tomato dip, topped with fresh cilantro. | cookingkitchn.com

Delicious Chicken Nacho Dip From Scratch

This no-fuss slow cooker dip has become my go-to for gatherings. I skip the fake cheese and use only natural ingredients for an outstanding nacho mix. The chicken turns so soft while all the cheeses blend into each other wonderfully. You can prep everything, switch on your slow cooker, and forget about it while you handle other party stuff.

What Makes This Simple Dish Special

  • Dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and forget it
  • Adjust the heat level to suit your taste
  • Versatile enough for dipping, stuffing, or topping nachos
  • Natural ingredients create genuine flavor

Basic Components for Homemade Goodness

  • Chicken Breasts: They soak up flavor and get super tender in broth.
  • Everyday Spices: Taco mix and cayenne bring the kick.
  • Tomatoes: Canned inside, fresh ones garnished on top.
  • Genuine Cheese: The blend of cream cheese and Mexican mix creates smoothness.
  • White Beans: They add more protein and make it filling.
  • Garden Toppings: Jalapeños and cilantro add freshness.
  • Broth & Cornstarch: They work together for the ideal thickness.

Simple Cooking Instructions

Get Your Slow Cooker Ready
First, lay your chicken breasts flat on the bottom of your slow cooker. Cover them with tasty chicken broth. Throw in your chopped tomatoes with their juice - they'll help make everything saucy. Dust everything with your spices, making sure you don't miss any chicken. Drop your cheeses right on top where they'll slowly melt down into a creamy blanket. Turn your slow cooker to high and let it work for 1-2 hours until you can pull the chicken apart and the cheese turns into a smooth sauce.
Shred Your Chicken Just Right
When your chicken feels soft enough to pull apart, take it out onto a board. Grab two forks and pull the warm chicken into small shreds - it comes apart best when it's hot. You want small bits that aren't hard to scoop up with chips. Put all your shredded chicken back into the pot and mix it around so the cheese coats every bit.
Thicken It Up Nicely
Now for the trick that makes it perfect - mix your cornstarch with a splash of cool broth until it's smooth. This will make your dip just the right thickness. Pour this mixture and your white beans into the slow cooker. Stir everything really well, making sure to check the corners. Try a spoonful and add more seasoning if you want.
Add Your Fresh Toppings
Right before you serve it, dress up your hot dip with colorful extras. Scatter fresh chopped tomatoes on top, throw on lots of cilantro for color and zip, and add some sliced jalapeños for folks who want some heat. Keep it in the slow cooker to stay warm, and put tortilla chips and cut veggies around it for dipping.

Ways to Make It Even Better

  • Quick Shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking.
  • Spice Adjustment: Throw in extra heat if you want it fiery.
  • Smart Timing: Make it beforehand and warm it up when company shows.
  • Guest-Ready: Let it sit in your slow cooker during the whole party.
A creamy, cheesy dip with melted cheese, topped with diced tomatoes and cilantro, being scooped up with a tortilla chip. Pin it
A creamy, cheesy dip with melted cheese, topped with diced tomatoes and cilantro, being scooped up with a tortilla chip. | cookingkitchn.com

Fast Serving Suggestions

  • Crispy corn chips for scooping
  • Sliced vegetables for lighter dipping
  • Toasted pita triangles
  • Additional garnishes like sour cream and chopped scallions

Quick Storage Notes

  • Refrigerate any extras for up to 4 days
  • Heat it back up in your microwave or on the stovetop
  • You can store it frozen for 3 months, but expect some texture changes when you thaw it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use black beans?

Sure, just rinse them first.

→ Can I make in pressure cooker?

You can! Instructions are included.

→ How to serve?

Serve with chips, veggies, or pita.

→ Can I make ahead?

Yes, reheat it gently on low.

→ How spicy is it?

Mild, but adjust cayenne as needed.

→ How long does it keep?

It stays good up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Chicken Nacho Dip

A rich, cheesy mix of shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and beans made effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Simple Spreads

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 15 ounces of white beans, rinsed.
02 6 ounces shredded Mexican cheese mix.
03 A dash of cayenne for extra heat (optional).
04 3 boneless chicken breasts (~1.25 lbs).
05 1 1/2 cups of chicken stock.
06 1/4 cup of taco spice blend.
07 14.5 ounces of drained diced tomatoes.
08 8 ounces cubed cream cheese.
09 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch.
10 Fresh Roma tomatoes for topping.
11 Cilantro to sprinkle on top.
12 Jalapeños for spicing things up (optional).
13 Salt and pepper to your liking.

Instructions

Step 01

Throw the chicken, broth, tomatoes, seasonings, and cheeses in the slow cooker.

Step 02

Turn it to high, and let it cook for 1-2 hours till the chicken's fully cooked.

Step 03

Take the chicken out and shred it with a couple of forks.

Step 04

Stir in a cornstarch slurry to make the mixture richer and thicker.

Step 05

Add the shredded chicken back and toss the beans into the mix.

Step 06

Taste it and adjust the flavor with salt or spices.

Step 07

Dress it up with cilantro, jalapeños, and Roma tomato slices before serving warm.

Notes

  1. Use an Instant Pot as a faster alternative.
  2. Adjust the spices to how you like it.
  3. Eat it with chips or veggies.
  4. Great for sharing at get-togethers.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot or slow cooker.
  • Set of measuring cups.
  • A couple of mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like cream cheese and shredded cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 336
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 22 g