Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken cooked with spicy jalapenos, cream cheese, and melted cheese creates a delicious filling ideal for slider buns. It’s an effortless recipe that packs a tasty punch.

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 is fine)
• 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 prepare.
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 chicken to coat it thoroughly.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30-60 seconds until softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded cheese until the mixture is smooth.
6. Step 6: Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
8. Step 8: Shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
9. Step 9: Serve the creamy chicken on slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in when dicing or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Use regular sandwich buns if slider rolls are unavailable.
• Mix in cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.

Storage

Store leftover 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. The chicken can also be frozen 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, but cooking times will be longer. It’s best to ensure the chicken is fully thawed before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level is moderate since the jalapeno seeds are removed. You can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing jalapenos or leaving some seeds in if you prefer more heat.

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• 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, spicy, and cheesy dish perfect for slider sandwiches or a savory meal. Combining tender slow-cooked chicken with a ranch seasoning, cream cheese, shredded colby jack cheese, fire-roasted chiles, and fresh jalapenos, it delivers the classic jalapeno popper flavor in an easy-to-make, hands-off recipe. Ideal for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner, it’s served on soft slider buns and topped with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

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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 preferred)

Spicy Additions

• 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 slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Add chicken and seasoning: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. Flip and toss the chicken gently to coat well in the ranch seasoning.
3. Soften the cream cheese: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30 to 60 seconds until it softens and becomes easy to stir.
4. Combine spicy and cheesy ingredients: Add the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded colby jack cheese to the softened cream cheese. Stir the mixture thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
5. Layer the cheese mixture: Spread the cream cheese and pepper mixture evenly over the coated chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining shredded colby jack cheese over the top to cover the mixture.
6. Cook the chicken: Cover and cook the mixture on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
7. Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the cheesy jalapeno sauce for maximum flavor.
8. Serve: Spoon the shredded jalapeno popper chicken onto slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm as delicious sliders.

Notes

• For less heat, remove all seeds from jalapenos before dicing.
• You can substitute colby jack cheese with cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
• Using thin-sliced chicken breasts reduces cooking time slightly.
• Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Slider buns can be replaced with regular buns or served with a side of rice or salad.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings but may require additional cooking time.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

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

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, jalapeno popper chicken, creamy chicken recipe, slider recipe, cheesy chicken, spicy chicken sliders