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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken and turn the pieces to coat thoroughly in the seasoning.
- Soften Cream Cheese: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30 to 60 seconds until soft enough to stir smoothly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the creamy sauce.
- 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
