Jalapeno Popper Chicken Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Chicken is a creamy, spicy slow-cooked chicken recipe packed with cream cheese, colby jack cheese, fire-roasted chiles, and fresh jalapenos. Perfectly seasoned with ranch dressing mix, this tender shredded chicken makes an irresistible filling for slider buns, garnished with fresh green onions for a delicious appetizer or main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz. ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 8 oz. shredded colby jack cheese
- 7 oz. fire-roasted chiles, drained
- 2 jalapenos, seeds removed and diced
For Serving
- slider buns (King's Hawaiian savory rolls recommended)
- sliced green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Add and season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken and flip the pieces to coat them evenly with the ranch seasoning.
- Soften the cream cheese: In a microwave-safe medium bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30-60 seconds until soft and easy to mix.
- Make the cheese mixture: Add the diced jalapenos, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded colby jack cheese to the softened cream cheese. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble in crockpot: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the coated chicken in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with forks.
- Shred and serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks to mix it with the cheesy jalapeno sauce. Serve the jalapeno popper chicken on slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions.
Notes
- Thin sliced chicken breasts speed up cooking and shredding but regular chicken breasts work fine.
- Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce heat preference but keep seeds for extra spice.
- Use pre-shredded colby jack cheese for convenience or shred fresh cheese yourself.
- Slider buns like King's Hawaiian add a sweet contrast and are great for serving.
- If you prefer milder flavor, substitute fire-roasted chiles with mild green chilies.
- Spraying the slow cooker prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.