Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Chicken Nachos

Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a platter of nachos piled high with flavorful toppings, and these Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Chicken Nachos take that comfort food classic to a whole new level. As I prepared this dish for a recent family gathering, the aroma wafting through the house had everyone buzzing with anticipation. My kids were especially thrilled to dig into the layers of savory pulled chicken, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. The combination of Asian flavors, from the soy sauce to the honey, offered a delightful twist that left everyone raving about the meal long after the plates were empty. If you’re looking for a fun, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make, look no further!

Ingredients

Pulled Chicken:

• ½ cup canned tomato sauce
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ¼ cup Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce
• 3 tablespoons Kikkoman Rice Vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced fresh ginger (or ½ teaspoon dried ginger)
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Pickled Cucumbers:

• 2 tablespoons Kikkoman Rice Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Nachos:

• 1 bag (8 ounces) tortilla chips
• 3 ounces shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Sesame seeds
• Sliced scallions
• Cilantro
• Extra sauce

Instructions

Make the Pulled Chicken

1. In a slow cooker, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sliced scallions, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and red chili flakes. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are well-covered with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 2 hours.

Shred the Chicken

3. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Thicken the Sauce

4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for later use.

Make Pickled Cucumbers

5. In a shallow bowl, mix together the rice vinegar and honey. Add the thinly sliced cucumber and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the nachos.

Assemble the Nachos

6. Preheat your broiler.
7. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Top with shredded Monterey jack cheese, pulled chicken, pickled cucumbers, and chopped yellow bell pepper.
8. Broil the nachos for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve

• Layered Nachos: Serve nachos on a large platter for sharing.
• Individual Portions: Use small plates for individual servings.
• Garnish: Add sesame seeds, sliced scallions, cilantro, and a drizzle of extra sauce on top.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra pulled chicken sauce on the side for dipping.
• Pairing: Complement with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade.

Additional Tips

1. Adjust the Spice: Modify the amount of red chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
2. Chicken Variations: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor.
3. Make Ahead: Prepare the pulled chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before assembling nachos.
4. Cucumber Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding pickled red onions along with the cucumbers.
5. Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for varied flavors.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or tofu marinated in the same sauce.
• BBQ Twist: Use barbecue sauce instead of tomato sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Spicy Nachos: Add jalapeños to the nacho assembly for an extra kick.
• Different Cheeses: Mix cheeses like gouda or feta for unique flavor profiles.
• Add Avocado: Include sliced avocado on top for creaminess and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Game Day Snacks: Perfect for watching sports or movie nights.
• Party Appetizers: Serve as a crowd-pleaser at parties or gatherings.
• Casual Dinners: Enjoy as a fun, laid-back dinner option with family and friends.
• Picnic Treats: Pack as a portable dish for picnics or outdoor events.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze pulled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Nachos: Assemble nachos just before serving for the best texture; however, leftover components can be stored separately.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

• Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time as needed.

1. How can I make this dish spicier?

• Add more red chili flakes or include sliced jalapeños when assembling nachos.

1. Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low sodium?

• Yes, but be cautious with additional salt in the recipe since regular soy sauce is saltier.

1. What can I substitute for Monterey jack cheese?

• Cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.

1. Can I prepare this without a slow cooker?

• Yes, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot.

1. How long can I keep the leftovers?

• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before consuming.

1. Can I make the pulled chicken in advance?

• Absolutely! Prepare it up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge until ready to use.

1. What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

• You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.

1. Are there any gluten-free options?

• Use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify that the soy sauce is gluten-free.

1. What can I serve with these nachos?
   • Pair with a fresh salad or vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Asian Pulled Chicken Nachos offer a unique and delicious twist on a classic favorite. With their tender, flavorful chicken and vibrant toppings, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them for a game night or a casual family dinner, this recipe is not just easy to prepare, but it also delivers on taste and presentation. Give this delightful dish a try, and I guarantee it will become a regular on your menu!

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