Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, spicy dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and jalapenos creates a flavorful mix that melts into tender shredded chicken. Serve it on slider buns for an irresistible bite.

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 prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken and toss or flip to coat all pieces well.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese by heating it for 30-60 seconds until smooth and spreadable.
5. Step 5: Stir the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded cheese into the softened cream cheese until combined.
6. Step 6: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
8. Step 8: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it well with the cheese and sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve the jalapeno popper chicken on slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For less heat, reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove all seeds before dicing.
• Use regular cheddar or Monterey Jack instead of colby jack if preferred.
• To add crunch, toast the slider buns lightly before serving.
• Add a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the ranch mix for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. This dish 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, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the cooking time by about 1 to 1.5 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly.

Is it possible to make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the chicken and cream cheese mixture in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes until the chicken is cooked and tender, stirring halfway through.

Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 slider servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken recipe transforms tender chicken breasts into a creamy, spicy, and cheesy filling perfect for slider buns. Infused with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, shredded Colby Jack, fire-roasted chiles, and fresh jalapenos, it captures the beloved flavors of jalapeno poppers in an easy, hands-off slow cooker dish. Ideal for parties, game day, or a flavorful weeknight meal, this shredded chicken sandwich is both satisfying and simple to prepare.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 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

To Serve

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

---

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 to Slow Cooker: 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. Flip the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly with the ranch seasoning.
4. Soften the Cream Cheese: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, add the cream cheese. Heat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until soft and easy to stir.
5. Mix Cheese and Chiles: To the softened cream cheese, add the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Stir well until smooth and fully combined.
6. Combine Mixtures in Slow Cooker: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Then sprinkle the remaining shredded Colby Jack cheese on top.
7. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
8. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks until all pieces are pulled apart and coated evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
9. Serve: Spoon the jalapeno popper chicken onto slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• For milder heat, reduce the amount of jalapenos or omit the seeds before dicing.
• If you prefer, use regular chicken breasts but increase cooking time slightly to ensure tenderness.
• You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Slider buns from King’s Hawaiian provide a slightly sweet and soft contrast, but regular small buns or rolls work well too.
• The dish can be made a day ahead; store the shredded chicken separately and reheat gently before assembling sliders.

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

Keywords: jalapeno popper chicken, slow cooker chicken, creamy shredded chicken, party sliders, jalapeno popper sliders, chicken slider recipe, easy slow cooker recipe