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Popper Chicken 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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