Imagine diving into a mountain of crispy tortilla chips smothered with tender, mouthwatering barbecue ranch chicken that's been slow-cooked to perfection. This isn't just another nacho recipe – it's a flavor-packed experience that will transform your game day, movie night, or casual dinner into an unforgettable culinary adventure. With minimal prep and maximum taste, these Crockpot Barbecue Ranch Chicken Nachos are about to become your new obsession, guaranteed to have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Sliced jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Place the boneless chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce and ranch seasoning packet until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the barbecue ranch sauce mixture directly over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Cover the crockpot and set to cook on LOW heat for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and easily shreddable.
- Once cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat completely.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the remaining sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange tortilla chips on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
- Spoon the warm barbecue ranch shredded chicken evenly over the tortilla chips.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the chicken-covered chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately top with sliced jalapeños for added heat and flavor.
- Serve hot directly from the baking sheet, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the nachos while they're warm and crispy.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, choose a high-quality barbecue sauce that has a good balance of sweet and tangy notes.
- Don't rush the chicken cooking process – the slow cooker is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- For extra crispy chips, consider briefly toasting the tortilla chips in the oven before adding the chicken and cheese.
- Use a mix of cheeses for more complex flavor – try combining cheddar with monterey jack or pepper jack.
- If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can shred the chicken and store it in the refrigerator, reheating it just before assembling the nachos.
- For a healthier version, use whole grain tortilla chips and low-fat cheese.
- Customize your toppings! Consider adding diced red onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream after baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
