Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With tender shredded chicken infused with ranch and jalapenos, it’s an easy recipe that brings bold flavors with minimal effort.

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 (such as King’s Hawaiian savory rolls)
• Sliced green onion for garnish

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 ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken and toss or flip the pieces until they are well coated.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese by heating it for 30–60 seconds until spreadable.
5. Step 5: Stir diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded cheese into the softened cream cheese until smooth.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the coated chicken in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
8. Step 8: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and mix well with the creamy cheese and chiles.
9. Step 9: Serve hot on slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For milder heat, reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit the seeds before dicing.
• Substitute colby jack cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Make it a full meal by adding cooked bacon or serving with a side salad.
• If you don’t have fire-roasted chiles, use canned diced green chilies as a substitute.

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 until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be longer. Expect an additional 1 to 2 hours on HIGH, and ensure the chicken is cooked through before shredding.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the coated chicken in a covered dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 45–60 minutes until the chicken is tender, then shred and mix with the cheese mixture before serving.

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 sliders 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken recipe combines tender shredded chicken with spicy jalapenos, creamy cheese, and rich ranch dressing, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make filling perfect for slider buns. Perfect as a party appetizer or a casual meal, this dish brings the classic flavors of jalapeno poppers into a hearty chicken sandwich.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Mixture

• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin sliced or regular)
• 1 oz. ranch dressing mix
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 7 oz. fire-roasted chiles (drained)
• 2 jalapenos (seeds removed and diced)
• 8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese (pre-shredded is fine)

For Serving

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken and cheese from sticking during cooking.
2. Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
3. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken, then flip and move the chicken pieces around to coat them thoroughly with the ranch seasoning.
4. Soften the cream cheese: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30-60 seconds until softened and easy to stir.
5. Mix cheese and peppers: Add the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese to the softened cream cheese. Stir the mixture well until smooth and evenly combined.
6. Combine cheese 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 the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken breasts are cooked through and shred easily with a fork.
8. Shred the chicken: Using two forks directly in the slow cooker, shred the cooked chicken, mixing it well with the cheesy jalapeno mixture.
9. Serve: Spoon the jalapeno popper chicken onto slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm for a delicious sandwich experience.

Notes

• You can use regular chicken breasts if thin sliced chicken is unavailable, just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
• Remove seeds from jalapenos to reduce heat; include seeds for a spicier kick.
• Be sure to use fire-roasted chiles for the best smoky flavor.
• Slider buns can be substituted with mini sandwich rolls or regular buns, depending on desired serving size.
• For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese, though it may alter creaminess slightly.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Sandwiches
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeno popper chicken, slow cooker chicken, jalapeno chicken sliders, creamy shredded chicken, party appetizers