Slow Cooker Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili

Why this jalapeno popper chili recipe works

When you’re tired of canned chili, this takes the guesswork out of coming up with your own homemade chili recipe. Not to mention, it doesn’t call for a lot of ingredients prep and cooking time perfect. Between the great flavor and ease of cooking it, this good homemade chili is one you can put in a chili contest (and win)!

No taste testing is required as each of the ingredients brings so much flavor to the dish, making it the perfect meal to enjoy on a cold winter day. Keep reading to see just how easy it is to make this jalapeno popper chili in your crock pot.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for jalapeno popper chili on table.

Ground Chicken: This is where the recipe gets its “chicken” which is browned and seasoned with the ranch mix before adding it to the slow cooker. I don’t think ground chicken is used enough in recipes! It’s so good.
Bacon: Adds an additional meaty flavor to the chili.
Fire Roasted Tomatoes: If you’ve never cooked with these, then you’re in for a really tasty treat.
Tomato Sauce: Helps create the chili base.
Cream Cheese: Gives the chili a creamy-like texture and cheese flavor.
Jalapeño: Several jalapenos are diced and used both in the chili and as a topping for serving.
Onions: Always adds a nice flavor to a dish, especially in chili, where it’s slowly cooked to tender perfection.
White Beans: These add some heartiness to the chili along with a bean flavor.
Seasonings and Spices: The ranch mix is cooked with the ground chicken while cumin and chili powder are added with the remaining ingredients into the crockpot before cooking.

4 images showing how to make jalapeno popper chicken chili in a crockpot.

StepOne – Add the ground chicken to a skillet, brown, and crumble. Then, add in the ranch seasoning mix and stir well.

StepTwo – Add the seasoned ground chicken into the slow cooker along with the cream cheese (cubed), half of the bacon (cooked), canned diced tomatoes (fire roasted), tomato sauce, beans, onions, jalapenos, and seasonings.

StepThree – Stir all of the ingredients until well combined.

Step Four – Cover and let the chili cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours. Serve and enjoy!

How to serve

As-is: Jalapeno popper chicken chili can be served as is in a bowl. The flavors are enough to enjoy by themselves.
Toppings: Of course, chili toppings can always help enhance the flavor. For this chili, consider adding shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh diced tomato, chopped cilantro, drained kernel corn, and extra chopped jalapenos.
Dips: Although this is chili, it’s not very runny at all, meaning you can serve it with tortilla chips, corn chips, or even oyster crackers.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat besides ground chicken?

Safe! You can substitute the chicken for ground beef, shredded chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey.

Are there other beans that pair well with this chili?

Any kind of bean will go well in this recipe. Red beans, cannelloni beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans are all great substitutes or additions.

How can I make this chili even more hearty?

Add extra ingredients such as green peppers, diced acorn squash, or corn.

Is there a way to make this chili spicier?

Of course! You could always add more sliced jalapenos in addition to crushed red pepper, spicy green chiles, or spicy chili seasoning.

How do I store leftover chili?

Add any remaining chili to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium low heat until warmed throughout.