Why the Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder Is Great Crockpot Recipe
When I think about comfort food, the Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder stands out as an incredibly satisfying option.
It’s perfect for busy days when I want a hearty meal without much fuss. I love how everything simmers together, creating rich flavors while I go about my day.
The best part? It’s so easy to prepare; just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic!
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. I can’t resist the creamy texture and cheesy goodness that warms me right up.
Ingredients of Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal with minimal effort, the ingredients for Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder are both simple and satisfying. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to gather these items; even if your cooking skills are more “let’s just put some bread in the toaster,” you can handle this one.
Plus, the combination of flavors is downright irresistible, making it a must-try for anyone who loves a warm, cheesy bowl of goodness. So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to create this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed nacho cheese soup
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen whole kernel corn (about 2 cups)
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend (for topping)
Now, let’s talk about these ingredients. The chicken is the star of the show, adding protein and heartiness to the chowder. You can use fresh or frozen chicken; just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
The Mexican-style stewed tomatoes bring a nice zesty flavor, which is just what you want in a cheesy dish. And let’s not forget the nacho cheese soup – it’s like a hug in a can!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add some spices like cumin or chili powder to amp up the flavors. Seriously, the possibilities are endless, and you can totally make it your own.
How to Make Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder
Alright, let’s plunge into how to make this mouthwatering Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder. First things first, gather all your ingredients: you’ll need 1 lb of skinless boneless chicken breast (cut into those manageable 1/2-inch pieces), 2 cans of Mexican-style stewed tomatoes (14 1/2 ounces each), 1 can of nacho cheese soup (the 10 3/4-ounce kind), and about 10 ounces of frozen whole kernel corn. Oh, and don’t forget that shredded Mexican cheese blend for topping, because let’s be honest, cheese is basically the cherry on top of this cheesy goodness.
Now, toss the chicken pieces into your trusty slow cooker. You can just dump them in like you’re tossing a bunch of friends into a pool – no need to be gentle. Next, open those cans of Mexican-style stewed tomatoes and pour them in, juice and all. Seriously, don’t drain them; we want that flavor to shine through.
Then, add in the can of nacho cheese soup. If you’re like me, you might find yourself contemplating how something so simple could be so delicious, but that’s just the magic of cooking, isn’t it? Finally, throw in that package of frozen corn. It’s like confetti for your chowder.
Give everything a good stir to combine, cover your slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 2 ½ hours. You’ll want to check it occasionally, not that you need to—just to let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen as a reminder that you’re about to feast.
Once the time is up and your kitchen smells like a cheesy paradise, it’s time to serve it up. Ladle that creamy, comforting chowder into bowls, and don’t skimp on the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top. It melts beautifully, creating that ooey-gooey goodness we all crave.
And there you have it—your Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder is ready to enjoy. So grab a spoon, dig in, and relish the fact that you just created a delightful meal with minimal fuss. You might even want to pat yourself on the back, but let’s not get too carried away; we don’t want to spill any chowder in the process.
Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
If you’re looking to enjoy the creamy goodness of Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder while sticking to a low carb diet, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make.
Swap the corn for chopped cauliflower to keep that hearty texture without the carbs. You can also use a low-carb cheese sauce instead of the condensed nacho cheese soup.
For extra flavor, add diced bell peppers or jalapeños. Finally, use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and a boost of flavor.
With these tweaks, you’ll have a delicious, low carb chowder that satisfies your cravings!
What to Serve with Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder
Serving up Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder can be a delightful experience, especially when you pair it with complementary sides.
I love serving it with crispy tortilla chips for that perfect crunch and dipping. A fresh, zesty salad with lime vinaigrette adds a revitalizing contrast to the rich chowder.
You could also whip up some cornbread, which is always a hit! If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding guacamole or sour cream as toppings.
These sides elevate the meal and create a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, making your chowder experience truly extraordinary.
Enjoy every bite!
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
While enjoying your Crockpot Nacho Cheese Chicken Chowder, it’s easy to make a few adjustments to decrease calories without sacrificing flavor.
First, I swap out the condensed nacho cheese soup for a lower-fat version or use a homemade cheese sauce made with reduced-fat cheese.
I also add more veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, to bulk up the chowder without adding many calories.
Using skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts can add flavor while keeping it lean.
Ultimately, I sprinkle less cheese on top and opt for a flavorful salsa for an extra kick without the extra calories.
Enjoy!