Contents
Introduction
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare, look no further than Instant Pot Chicken Nachos! This recipe from Damn Delicious combines tender, shredded chicken with crispy tortilla chips, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings for the ultimate snack or meal. Perfect for game day or family gatherings, these nachos are guaranteed to be a hit!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup chicken stock
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 ounces tortilla chips
¾ cup pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup guacamole
½ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Instant Pot Chicken Nachos recipe, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
In a 6-quart Instant Pot®, combine the chicken breasts and thighs, salsa, chicken stock, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot® to manual mode, adjusting the pressure to high. Set the cooking time for 10 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot® and shred it using two forks. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Assemble the Nachos:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with nonstick spray. Spread the tortilla chips evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Top the chips with 2 cups of the shredded chicken (reserve any remaining chicken for future use), pico de gallo, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the nachos are heated through and the cheese has melted.
Serve:
Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately top with guacamole, sour cream, and chopped cilantro. Serve promptly and enjoy!
Notes
Serving Size:
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it a great option for gatherings or family meals.
Leftovers:
The leftover shredded chicken can be used in other dishes such as tacos, quesadillas, or burrito bowls.
Ingredient Variations:
Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as adding jalapeños, olives, or additional cheese.
Cook techniques
Pressure Cooking
Using an Instant Pot to pressure cook the chicken creates tender, flavorful meat in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. This technique allows the chicken to absorb the spices and salsa, enhancing the overall dish.
Shredding Meat
Once the chicken is cooked, shredding it using two forks helps to break down the texture. This method makes it easier to distribute the chicken evenly over the nachos.
Baking Nachos
Baking the assembled nachos in the oven melts the cheese and heats the toppings through. This technique ensures that the tortilla chips remain crisp while the cheese becomes gooey and indulgent.
Layering Ingredients
Layering the nachos with shredded chicken, pico de gallo, and cheese allows for maximum flavor in every bite. Proper layering ensures that no single component overpowers the others.
Using Fresh Toppings
Adding fresh guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro at the end provides a burst of flavor and freshness, enhancing the overall taste and presentation of the nachos.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with other meats such as shredded beef, turkey, or even plant-based proteins for a vegetarian option.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! The shredded chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
What can I do with leftover chicken?
Leftover shredded chicken can be used in various dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can increase the level of spiciness by adding diced jalapeños, using a spicier salsa, or incorporating additional chili powder or hot sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this nacho recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables. Make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Chicken Nachos recipe is a fantastic way to serve a crowd or enjoy a casual meal at home. The combination of tender, shredded chicken, crispy tortilla chips, and melted cheese — topped with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream — creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please everyone. Plus, the leftover chicken can be easily repurposed into future meals, making this recipe both delicious and versatile.
Chicken Quesadillas
Use the leftover shredded chicken to make flavorful chicken quesadillas. Simply add the chicken, cheese, and your choice of vegetables between two tortillas and cook until crispy on both sides.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Transform the shredded chicken into a burrito bowl by layering it over rice, beans, corn, and your favorite toppings. Drizzle with salsa and add a dollop of guacamole for a delicious meal.
Chicken Tacos
Fill soft or hard taco shells with the shredded chicken, adding toppings like lettuce, cheese, and avocado for a quick and satisfying taco night.
Cheesy Chicken Nacho Bake
Get creative with your nachos by layering the shredded chicken with various toppings in a casserole dish, then bake for a cheesy chicken nacho bake that’s perfect for sharing.
Nacho Salad
Turn your nachos into a salad by tossing shredded chicken and tortilla chips with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing to enjoy a lighter version of this classic dish.
