These Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos are not just a delicious meal option; they're also a freezer meal creation. Spend a little time prepping these nachos in advance, and you'll have a freezer stocked with a lifesaver for those chaotic days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Let’s spice up your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish: Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos. Think about this; a delicious combination of flavors dancing on your taste buds, from tender shredded chicken bathed in tangy salsa verde to crispy tortilla chips topped with a generous amount of incredible, gooey cheese. It’s comfort food with a zesty twist that’ll have everyone at the table asking for more!
Now, here’s where the best part comes. These Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos are not just a delicious meal option; they’re also a freezer meal creation. Spend a little time prepping these nachos in advance, and you’ll have a freezer stocked with a lifesaver for those chaotic days when cooking is the last thing on your mind. Simply pull out your slow cooker, cook the chicken, then prepare your nachos with chips and cheese, and dinner is served—easy as pie!
Come cook alongside us as we put together these Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos. Whether you’re a culinary genius or a kitchen novice, we’ll walk you through each step with ease. Let’s roll up our sleeves, put on that apron of magic, and make stress free mealtime happen together!
Why you’ll love this Freezer Meal Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos
Great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
Offers a delicious twist on classic nachos with salsa verde.
One-pan meal: means less cleanup afterward.
Perfect for casual gatherings or game nights with friends.
Versatile recipe that can be adapted for vegetarian diets by omitting chicken.
Provides a healthy dose of protein and veggies.
Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos Freezer Meal Recipe
These Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos are not just a delicious meal option; they're also a freezer meal creation. Spend a little time prepping these nachos in advance, and you'll have a freezer stocked with a lifesaver for those chaotic days when cooking is the last thing on your mind.
Pulled Pork Substitution: Substitute the boneless/skinless chicken thighs with 2-3 pounds of boneless pork shoulder or pork loin. Cook the pork in the slow cooker or Instant Pot until tender and easily shredded, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
Black Bean Substitution: For a vegetarian option, replace the boneless/skinless chicken thighs with 1.5-2 cups of cooked black beans. Simply mix the beans with the salsa verde mixture before layering over the tortilla chips.
Monterey Jack Cheese Substitution: Instead of using cheddar cheese, swap it out for 2-4 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. This cheese has a milder flavor and melts beautifully over the nachos.
Additions:
Roasted Corn Addition: Add 1-1.5 cups of frozen roasted corn kernels to the chicken and salsa verde mixture. The sweet and smoky flavor of roasted corn will add depth to the nachos.
Cilantro and Jalapeno Addition: Finely chop 1-2 fresh jalapenos and a handful of fresh cilantro to sprinkle over the nachos before baking. This will add a pop of freshness and a hint of heat to each bite.
Avocado Slice Addition: Serve the nachos with thinly sliced avocado on top or alongside the dish. The creamy texture of avocado will balance out the flavors and provide a cool contrast to the spicy salsa verde.
These substitutions and additions will enhance the flavor and texture of your Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos while still keeping them freezer-friendly. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences!
How to Reheat and Store Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos
Best way to store Quick Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos leftovers?
Preserving the taste and quality of your Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos leftovers requires proper storage techniques. Start by allowing your leftovers to cool to room temperature within two hours on the kitchen counter. Once they have cooled sufficiently, if possible,separate any wet ingredients, such as the salsa, front he chips and cheese to help maintain their texture.
Layer the nachos in the container, making sure to distribute the toppings evenly. , transfer them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.. Labeling the containers with the date is crucial for tracking freshness.Utilizing this method ensures you can enjoy your favorite meals conveniently and reduce food waste.
How long will Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos last in the fridge?
Leftovers can remain fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Make sure to follow proper protocols for allowing food to cool, and correct storage techniques. If you don’t plan to consume them within 2-3 days, consider freezing them for longer storage without compromising taste and quality.
Can I freeze Convenient Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos?
Yes, absolutely. We recommend freezing this recipe before it is cooked so when it is cooked, it is fresh, not reheated. To prepare this as a raw freezer meal, simply label a gallon freezer bag, add all ingredients into the bag, except for the day of cooking ingredients. Seal, and freeze. If you are looking to freeze leftovers, follow the same procedures to cool as you would for fridge storage. Transfer nachos to a freezer safe container or heavy duty bag. For better organization, separate layers of nachos with parchment paper. Seal the bag, and label with date of freezing for easy reference. Place the container or bag in the freezer, making sure it’s flat to prevent shifting of toppings. Frozen salsa verde chicken nachos can typically be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
How to Reheat Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos Recipe?
We recommend reheating in the oven, to allow the texture and flavor to be retained with optimal freshness. Make sure to preheat the oven to 350F. Place your leftover nachos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread our your nachos in a single layer, if desired, spread an extra layer of cheese on top to refresh the melted cheese layer. Cover the baking sheet loosely with foil to prevent the nachos from drying out too much. Then bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. If you prefer crispier chips, you can remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking time. Another method for reheating is the microwave. Place a single layer of nachos on a safe plate, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, keep an eye on the nachos to prevent overheating as this can cause soggy chips. Once heated through, let nachos cool for a minute before enjoying.
Mexican Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos FAQs
Do you add salsa before or after baking nachos?
When you are making a Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos recipe, it is best to add the salsa before baking. This allows the salsa verde to infuse its flavors into the chicken and toppings as they bake. This results in a more cohesive and delicious dish. By spreading the salsa verde evenly over the nachos before baking, you ensure that every bit is bursting with flavor. So don’t wait until after baking, spread that salsa goodness on your nachos before they hit the oven or slow cooker for maximum flavor impact.
What are the proper layers for nachos?
The proper layering for nachos is crucial to ensure that every chip is coated with delicious toppings. When using the slow cooker, you save the day of serving ingredients for after the chicken has melded with the salsa verde sauce during the cooking process. Once the chicken has cooked through, layer the first layer with the tortilla chips, Next, add a generous portion of shredded chicken tossed in the salsa verde, followed by a sprinkle of your favorite cheese. If you are looking to bake your nachos, similarly start by layering a baking sheet with tortilla chips, add a layer of shredded chicken tossed with your salsa, sprinkle some cheese on your chicken. Then repeat these layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, ending with a final layer of cheese.
What is the best melting cheese for nachos?
The best melting cheeses are known for their gooey texture and excellent melting properties. Some top choices include Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses. These cheeses melt smoothly and evenly creating a delicious blanket of cheesy goodness that coats ever chip. For salsa verde nachos, we recommend a mixture of cheddar and Monterey jack for a perfect balance of flavor and meltability.
What is the secret to crispy nachos?
The secret for crispy nachos lies in a process that ensures your chips stay crunchy even under layers of toppings. First, choose sturdy, thick cut tortilla chips that can hold up to the weight of the toppings. Next, it’s all about the arrangement of chips, being a single layer on the baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each chip. Finally, avoid overloading the nachos with toppings, as excess moisture can cause the chips to become soggy.
What is the difference between Mexican Salsa and salsa verde?
The main difference between the traditional Mexican salsa, and salsa verde lies in the ingredients and flavor profiles. Traditional Mexican salsa is typically made with ripe tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, cilantro, and lime. It often boasts a red color and a bold, tangy flavor with different levels of heat. On the other hand, salsa verde is made with tomatillos, green chili preppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro. It boasts a bright green color, with a slightly tart flavor profile and a hint of sweetness.
Should I Grill or bake nachos?
When it comes to preparing a Salsa verde chicken nachos, baking is preferred for achieving perfectly crispy chips and meddling the flavors together. Baking also allows the nachos to heat evenly, allowing the nachos and cheese to melt perfectly.
What chips are best for nachos?
The best chips for nachos are sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips that can withstand the weight of the extra toppings, without getting soggy. Look for chips that are made from corn masa and are uniform in size and shape. Avoid thin or delicate chips.
What toppings are best for Make-Ahead nachos?
When it comes to make-ahead nachos, choosing the right toppings is key to ensuring that your dish stays delicious and flavorful, even after sitting in the fridge or freezer. Great toppings for make ahead nachos would be black beans, roasted corn, sliced jalapeños, and avocado.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
