Jalapeño Popper Slow-Cooker Sliders
I made a version of these sandwiches nearly two years ago and kept meaning to make them again, but I couldn’t quite forget how messy they were with the cream cheese and cheddar sauce.
And I just don’t want to eat something that’s super messy (or rather, I don’t want my CHILDREN to eat something messy because. . . guess who gets to clean that disaster up? If you guessed Bart, you are right).
Also, there were just too many components of the original recipe, what with the toasted panko crumbs, the sauce, and the actual chicken itself. No thanks.
This version of jalepeno popper sliders is way simplified and (in my opinion) significantly more delicious. The sweetness of the King’s Hawaiian Rolls makes a great contrast to the savory filling.
I didn’t use the whole package of King’s Hawaiian Rolls originally and then, three minutes into dinner, Bart looked worriedly at the serving plate and asked, “Are there more?”
So I made up the rest of the package and we ate them all.
(P.S. All the other ingredients I picked up at Wal-Mart, but a few weeks ago, I discovered that there is a thriving jalapeño plant in our backyard. Score!)
Jalapeno Popper Sliders
Jalapeño Popper Slow-Cooker Sliders
Sweet and savory sliders perfect for tailgating or watching the game at home.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts fresh or frozen
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14- oz can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 jalapeno pepper pricked with a fork
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 cup chicken broth optional - I didn't need it, but if your crockpot runs super hot, it's probably a good idea
For Sandwiches:
- 1 package King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Mayonnaise
- Cheddar cheese slices
- Cream Cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh or canned sliced jalapeño peppers
Instructions
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Put all the ingredients for the chicken in the crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Remove the jalapeno and discard (or slice it up for serving). Shred the chicken with two forks and let it sit in the crockpot liquids while you prep the sandwiches.
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Turn broiler to low. Split your King's Hawaiian Sweet Rolls in half and spread mayonnaise on the top halves, then top with a slice of cheddar cheese. On the bottom halves, spread a thick layer of cream cheese and then sprinkle with panko crumbs (press the crumbs into the cream cheese gently so they don't just fall off. Place in the broiler and let cook 2-4 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the panko crumbs are slightly toasted.
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Sweet and savory sliders perfect for tailgating or watching the game at home
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Put a generous helping of the shredded chicken on the bottom half, top with jalapeño peppers and top with the cheese-crusted bun.
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Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
(adapted from Food Fanatic)
My love affair with King's Hawaiin Bread goes way back to when we actually lived in Hawaii and could buy the big breads there. We ripped off pieces and ate them plain or with butter. I didn't know they had started selling their bread (and rolls) on the mainland until about a year ago when I saw them at the deli in the supermarket here (upstate New York). I bought some once, and they were good, but so nutrionally empty that I must consider them more or less cake and thus only eat them very rarely.
A taste of my childhood, though, for sure. That, and Hawaiian Host candy.
I just made this last night and it was really, really fantastic! My husband doesn't care for cream cheese, but even he loved it in this dish. It is a good night when the most difficult part of dinner prep is spreading mayonnaise on a bun. Thanks for the recipe!