Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, cheesy dish packed with a spicy kick. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it transforms simple chicken breasts into a flavorful filling for slider buns that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin sliced or regular)
• 1 oz. ranch dressing mix
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 7 oz. fire-roasted chiles (drained)
• 2 jalapenos (seeds removed and diced)
• Slider buns (such as King’s Hawaiian savory rolls)
• Sliced green onion

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken, then flip the chicken pieces to coat them evenly.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30 to 60 seconds until softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded cheese until smooth.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
8. Step 8: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing well with the creamy sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve the shredded chicken on slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For milder heat, reduce the amount of jalapenos or leave them out entirely.
• Use regular cheddar instead of Colby Jack for a sharper cheese flavor.
• To make this dish low-carb, serve over lettuce wraps instead of slider buns.
• Adding a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor of the fire-roasted chiles.

Storage

Store leftover chicken popper mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. Slider buns are best served fresh but can be wrapped and stored for a couple of days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and can add extra moisture and flavor. Adjust cooking time if needed to ensure they shred easily.

Is it possible to freeze the cooked chicken mixture?

Absolutely. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 slider servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy dish perfect for sandwiches or sliders. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, fire-roasted chiles, and jalapenos, creating a flavorful and melt-in-your-mouth filling ideal for a quick and easy dinner or appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin sliced or regular)

Seasoning & Cheese Mixture

• 1 oz. ranch dressing mix
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese (pre-shredded is fine)

Vegetables

• 7 oz. fire-roasted chiles, drained
• 2 jalapenos, seeds removed and diced

To Serve

• Slider buns (King’s Hawaiian savory rolls recommended)
• Sliced green onion, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Season Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken and turn the pieces to coat thoroughly in the seasoning.
4. Soften Cream Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30 to 60 seconds until soft enough to stir smoothly.
5. Mix Cheeses and Peppers: Add the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese to the softened cream cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined and smooth.
6. Combine Mixture with Chicken: Spread the cream cheese and pepper mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
7. Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
8. Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the creamy sauce.
9. Serve: Spoon the cheesy jalapeno popper chicken onto slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

• For less spice, remove the seeds from the jalapenos and use fewer diced peppers.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened well before mixing to ensure a smooth sauce.
• Using thin sliced chicken breasts reduces the cooking time slightly but regular breasts work fine too.
• This recipe works great for meal prep and can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• King’s Hawaiian savory slider buns add a sweet balance but any slider or small sandwich buns may be used.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken, Jalapeno Popper Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Sliders, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes