Instant Pot Chicken Nachos: Easy Recipe for a Quick Meal

Instant Pot Chicken Nachos: the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s ready in a flash! Imagine this: tender, flavorful shredded chicken, seasoned to perfection, piled high on crispy tortilla chips, and smothered in melted cheese, all thanks to the magic of your Instant Pot. Are you ready to ditch the takeout and create a fiesta in your own kitchen with minimal effort?

While nachos themselves may have originated in the humble kitchens of northern Mexico, their popularity has exploded across the globe, becoming a staple at sporting events, parties, and casual gatherings. The beauty of nachos lies in their versatility – a blank canvas for culinary creativity! But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that deliciousness without the hours of prep work. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in to save the day!

People adore Instant Pot Chicken Nachos because they offer the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The Instant Pot makes the chicken incredibly tender and juicy in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Plus, the customizable toppings allow everyone to create their perfect nacho masterpiece. The satisfying crunch of the chips, the savory chicken, the gooey cheese – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. Get ready to experience nacho nirvana with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• For the Nachos:
• 1 large bag (10-12 oz) tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Toppings (Optional):
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Queso
• Black olives, sliced

Preparing the Chicken in the Instant Pot

Okay, let’s get started with the most important part – the juicy, flavorful chicken! This is where the Instant Pot magic happens. Trust me, using the Instant Pot makes this process incredibly easy and the chicken comes out perfectly tender every time.

1. Prep the Instant Pot: First, make sure your Instant Pot is clean and ready to go. No need to preheat or anything fancy. Just place the chicken breasts directly into the inner pot.
2. Add the Seasoning: Now, sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy! This is what gives the chicken that delicious taco flavor we all crave. Make sure each breast is well coated.
3. Pour in the Liquids: Next, pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel). Don’t drain the tomatoes – the liquid adds extra flavor and moisture to the chicken. The combination of the broth and tomatoes will create a flavorful braising liquid that will infuse the chicken as it cooks.
4. Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button (depending on your Instant Pot model) and set the cooking time to 12 minutes. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick (over 1 inch), you might want to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
5. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve at all and let the pressure release on its own. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!
6. Shred the Chicken: Once the pressure is completely released and the pin has dropped, carefully open the Instant Pot. Remove the chicken breasts to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken. It should shred very easily at this point.
7. Mix with Sauce: Pour about half of the liquid from the Instant Pot over the shredded chicken. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful. You can add more liquid if you prefer a saucier chicken. Taste the chicken and add salt and pepper if needed. Remember, the taco seasoning already contains salt, so taste before adding more.

Assembling the Nachos

Now for the fun part – building those delicious nachos! This is where you can really get creative and customize them to your liking. I like to use a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet for easy cleanup.

1. Preheat the Oven (Optional): If you want to melt the cheese quickly and evenly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You can also skip this step and just use the broiler for a minute or two at the end to melt the cheese.
2. Layer the Chips: Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips evenly across the platter or baking sheet. Make sure to use a sturdy chip that can hold up to all the toppings. I prefer a thicker, restaurant-style chip.
3. Add the Chicken: Spoon the shredded chicken evenly over the chips. Try to distribute it so that every chip gets a little bit of chicken.
4. Sprinkle the Cheese: Now comes the cheese! Sprinkle both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken and chips. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of cheese – it’s what makes nachos so good!
5. Add the Jalapeños and Red Onion: Scatter the sliced pickled jalapeños and chopped red onion over the cheese. The jalapeños add a nice kick, and the red onion adds a bit of crunch and flavor.
6. Bake or Broil (Optional): If you preheated your oven, bake the nachos for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re using the broiler, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Add the Cilantro: Remove the nachos from the oven (or turn off the broiler) and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro. The fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor to the nachos.

Serving and Toppings

The nachos are ready to be devoured! But before you dig in, let’s talk about toppings. This is where you can really personalize your nachos and make them your own.

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the nachos immediately while the cheese is still melted and gooey. They’re best enjoyed hot!
2. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Set out bowls of your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, queso, and sliced black olives. Let everyone customize their own nachos with their preferred toppings.
3. Enjoy! Grab a plate and dig in! These Instant Pot Chicken Nachos are perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun and easy weeknight meal.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make these nachos even better:

• Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack, queso fresco, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese would be delicious.
• Add Beans: Add a layer of refried beans or black beans under the chicken for extra flavor and protein.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or even seasoned tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken for extra heat.
• Make it a Meal: Add a side salad or some Mexican rice to make it a complete meal.
• Leftovers: While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. The chips might get a little soggy, but they’ll still taste delicious!

Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Nachos!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Instant Pot Chicken Nachos are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even just a satisfying solo meal. I know, I know, I might be biased, but I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves delicious food and appreciates the convenience of the Instant Pot. The tender, flavorful chicken, the perfectly melted cheese, and the endless topping possibilities – what’s not to love?

Why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy, unbelievably flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Forget spending hours slaving over a hot stove. With the Instant Pot, you can have a crowd-pleasing plate of nachos ready in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste. It’s a win-win situation!

But the best part? The flavor! The chicken is infused with all those delicious spices, creating a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with other cooking methods. And the Instant Pot keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender, so every bite is a burst of juicy goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations because the possibilities are truly endless! For a classic nacho experience, I recommend piling your chips high with the Instant Pot chicken, plenty of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend are all great choices), diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole.

But don’t stop there! Feel free to get creative and experiment with different toppings. How about adding some black beans, corn, or salsa for extra flavor and texture? Or maybe some pickled onions or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick?

If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap out the tortilla chips for baked sweet potato chips or even bell pepper slices. You can also use a lighter cheese or skip the sour cream altogether.

And for a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with black beans, lentils, or even crumbled tofu. The Instant Pot works wonders with all of these ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian nacho experience.

Another fun variation is to use different types of cheese. Pepper jack cheese will add a spicy kick, while queso fresco will provide a creamy and slightly salty flavor. You can even experiment with different types of salsa, from mild tomato salsa to fiery habanero salsa.

Don’t forget the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice can really elevate your nachos to the next level.

Time to Get Cooking!

I truly hope you’ll give these Instant Pot Chicken Nachos a try. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. They are the perfect dish for a casual get-together, a family movie night, or even just a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Once you’ve made them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any fun variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking! And remember, the best recipes are the ones you make your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Enjoy!