The Best Lighter Chicken Nachos
Try this The Best Lighter Chicken Nachos recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this The Best Lighter Chicken Nachos recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 14.5- ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 15- ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
- 1 1.25- ounce packet taco seasoning mix (i like [mccormick 30% l
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large b
- 1 cup frozen sweet corn thawed
- 6 ounces tostitos bite size tortilla chips (6 servings or a
- optional toppings: salsa sour cream, avocado, scallions, black olives, pickled jalapeã±os)
- Carbohydrate 0.241066666666667 g
- Cholesterol 19.775 mg
- Fat 6.24136666666667 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 4.6895 g
- Saturated Fat 3.97232666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (123g)
- Sodium 116.955 mg
- Sugar 0.241066666666667 g
- Trans Fat 0.322991666666667 g
- Calories 76 calories
Step-by-step
- In the base of your slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning.
- Stir in the drained black beans.
- Nestle the chicken breasts in the tomatoes, spooning some over the top to cover them.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and use a fork to pull the chicken into smaller pieces or shreds.
- Use a slotted spoon or a fine mesh sieve to remove the beans and some of the diced tomatoes from the slow cooker and place them in a medium bowl.
- Discard the thinner liquid left behind. (Note: If you aren’t planning to use the meat right away, reserve ½ cup of the liquid to pour over the meat in a storage container to help keep it moist and flavorful in the refrigerator.)
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet, then evenly distribute half of the chicken, beans and tomatoes, corn, and cheddar cheese.
- Repeat the layering with the rest of the chips and toppings and bake until the cheese melts and the ends of the chips turn golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately with whatever toppings you like—salsa or fresh pico de gallo, avocado, chopped cilantro, red onion, pickled jalapeños, sour cream.
The Best Lighter Chicken Nachos: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and satisfying dinner can feel like an uphill battle. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of slow cooker recipes – they're my secret weapon for delicious, effortless meals. And these lighter chicken nachos? They're a new family favorite.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It starts with a slow cooker, doing all the hard work while I tackle other tasks. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a flavorful tomato and taco seasoning base, resulting in juicy, perfectly seasoned meat that's incredibly easy to shred. I love using a slow cooker because it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a far more intense taste than you would get from quickly cooking the chicken.
Once the chicken is cooked, the assembly is a breeze. I use a large baking sheet to make a nice, evenly-cooked batch, but you could also use smaller portions for individual servings. Layering tortilla chips, the shredded chicken, beans, corn, and cheese creates a crispy, cheesy, and satisfying experience that's lighter than traditional nachos. And because I can control the portion sizes, this makes it a lot easier to manage calories. The best part? The kids love them, too!
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different toppings! I often add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or some diced avocado for extra flavor and creaminess. Sometimes, I even sneak in some extra vegetables, like finely chopped bell peppers or onions, to boost the nutritional value. My kids particularly like adding diced jalapenos – as long as I don't add too much. The customization options are endless, making it a great dish for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers.
This recipe is perfect for those times when you need a quick, satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. It's the epitome of comfort food, but without the heavy feeling you often get after indulging in a traditional, heavier dish. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an incredibly convenient choice for those busy weeknights where efficiency is key. And don't be afraid to experiment! The combination of flavors is really forgiving, so feel free to get creative.
The slow cooker is not just an appliance, it's my culinary life raft! It allows me to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals even when time is short. This lighter version of chicken nachos allows the family to enjoy a guilt-free, indulgent treat that can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary preferences and tastes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe always delivers.
So, ditch the takeout menus and try this recipe. Your taste buds and your schedule will thank you! From one busy mom to another, this is a recipe you'll want to keep handy.
