Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or game day snacks. Combining tender chicken with zesty jalapenos and rich cheeses, this recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

This image shows a close-up view of a creamy, shredded chicken mixture in a black pot. The dish has a thick, soft texture with a blend of off-white and light orange colors, indicating melted cheese and sauce mixed throughout. Small diced green pieces, likely peppers, are scattered evenly in the creamy layers. A silver spoon is scooping the mixture, adding shine and contrast to the soft, dense food. The background is out of focus but replaced with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (pre-shredded works well)
  • 7 oz. fire-roasted chiles (drained)
  • 2 jalapenos (seeds removed and diced)
  • Slider buns (King’s Hawaiian savory rolls recommended)
  • Sliced green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

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

Tips & Variations

  • For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Swap Colby Jack for cheddar for a sharper flavor.
  • Use regular chicken breasts if you don’t have thin sliced; cooking time remains the same.
  • Try topping with crispy bacon bits for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover jalapeno popper chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain creaminess. The chicken mixture can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy shredded chicken dish mixed with melted cheese and small green peppers in a black pot. The dish shows many thin strands of white chicken coated in a thick orange and white sauce with visible bits of cheese and green pieces spread throughout. A metal spoon is partially inserted into the creamy mixture on the left side of the pot, lifting some of the chicken and sauce. The texture appears soft and rich, with an uneven surface showing the mixture’s thickness. The pot edges frame the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the chicken mixture in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, then shred the chicken and mix well before serving.

Are the jalapenos very spicy in this dish?

The heat is mild to moderate since the seeds are removed, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more jalapenos or leaving some seeds in if you prefer more kick.

Print
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Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slider servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

This Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken recipe is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish perfect for sliders or as a flavorful main course. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, colby jack cheese, fire-roasted chiles, and fresh jalapenos create a delicious filling that shreds effortlessly and serves beautifully on slider buns with a sprinkle of green onions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 (pre-shredded)
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Add chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker base evenly.
  3. Season chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken and toss or flip the breasts so they are evenly coated with the ranch seasoning.
  4. Soften cream cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, add cream cheese and heat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until softened and easy to stir.
  5. Mix jalapenos and cheese: To the softened cream cheese, add diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded colby jack cheese. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
  6. Combine cream cheese mixture with chicken: Spread the cream cheese jalapeno 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 fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
  8. Shred chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix it well with the cheesy jalapeno sauce.
  9. Serve: Spoon the shredded jalapeno popper chicken onto slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For a milder flavor, reduce the number of jalapenos or remove them entirely.
  • Using thin sliced chicken breasts helps to cook the dish faster and shred easier.
  • Any type of sandwich bun can be used if slider buns are not available.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm in a microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Jalapeno Popper Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Spicy Chicken Sliders, Cream Cheese Chicken, Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

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