Popper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Popper Chicken recipe brings the flavors of jalapeño poppers into a comforting slow-cooked dish. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with a little heat, it’s perfect for sliders or a hearty meal.

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
• 7 oz. fire-roasted chiles, drained
• 2 jalapeños, 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 into the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the chicken and flip the chicken to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream cheese for 30 to 60 seconds until softened.
5. Step 5: Add the diced jalapeños, fire-roasted chiles, and half of the shredded cheese to the cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
6. Step 6: Spread this 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: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and mix well with the sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve the cheesy chicken on slider buns and garnish with sliced green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the jalapeños or leave them out altogether.
• Try using pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack for an extra kick.
• If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the chicken in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, then shred and mix with the cheese mixture on the stovetop.
• Use regular hamburger buns if slider-sized rolls aren’t available.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts but increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on HIGH. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily before serving.

Is it spicy?

The heat level comes mainly from the jalapeños and fire-roasted chiles. Removing the seeds and using fewer jalapeños can make it milder. Adjust to your preferred spice level.

Popper Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 68 reviews

This Popper Chicken recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a creamy, cheesy, spicy dish inspired by the flavors of jalapeno poppers. Slow-cooked until tender and juicy, the chicken is mixed with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, shredded Colby Jack cheese, fire-roasted chiles, and fresh jalapenos. Served on slider buns and topped with sliced green onions, this flavorful and comforting meal is perfect for casual gatherings or a delicious family dinner.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours
• Yield: 8 slider servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin sliced or regular)
• 1 oz. ranch dressing mix

Cheese Mixture

• 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 (King’s Hawaiian savory rolls preferred)
• Sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
2. Add the Chicken: Place the 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the 1 ounce of ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Use a spatula or tongs to flip and coat the chicken thoroughly with the ranch seasoning.
4. Soften the Cream Cheese: In a microwave-safe medium-sized bowl, add the 8 ounces of cream cheese and heat in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until softened, making it easier to mix.
5. Mix Cheese and Jalapenos: To the softened cream cheese, add the diced 2 jalapenos and 7 ounces of drained fire-roasted chiles along with half (4 oz) of the shredded Colby Jack cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Combine Cheese Mixture with Chicken: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, then sprinkle the remaining 4 ounces of shredded Colby Jack 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 is thoroughly cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the creamy cheese mixture for an even texture and flavor.
9. Serve: Spoon the shredded popper chicken onto slider buns and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh and flavorful finish. Enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can use either thin-sliced chicken breasts or regular-sized chicken breasts; cooking time should remain the same but double-check tenderness before shredding.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the jalapenos and fire-roasted chiles according to your taste.
• The recipe works well for meal prepping; leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• For a lower-sodium option, choose reduced-sodium ranch mix and slider buns.
• Serve with coleslaw or pickles on the side for added texture and flavor contrast.

Keywords: Popper Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Jalapeno Popper Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken, Slider Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner