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
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
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken. Flip the chicken pieces to coat them thoroughly with the ranch seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3.5 to 4 hours, or until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- 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.
- 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
