Slow Cooker Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 240 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe makes 10 servings. Ingredients are scaled automatically, but cooking times remain the same. Not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 3 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 3 jalapenos, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water (for cornstarch mixture)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish

Directions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken pieces, sliced onion, jalapenos, minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, black pepper, and salt. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on Low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the slow cooker, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 266
• Fat: 11g (14% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (16% DV)
• Cholesterol: 166mg (55% DV)
• Sodium: 500mg (22% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 11g (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% DV)
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 33g (67% DV)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 30mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (9% DV)
• Potassium: 411mg (9% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient information may not be available for all ingredients. Consult a doctor or dietitian if following a medically restrictive diet.

The Origins of Slow Cooker Jalapeo Chicken

Slow Cooker Jalapeo Chicken is a modern twist on traditional American comfort food, blending the convenience of slow cooking with the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine. The use of jalapeos in a slow-cooked chicken dish reflects the growing popularity of fusion recipes in the United States, particularly from the late 20th century onward. While slow cookers became household staples in the 1970s, recipes like this one emerged as home cooks began experimenting with combining heat, sweetness, and umami for a rich, well-rounded flavor profile.

Regional Variations and Features

This dish is commonly associated with Southern and Southwestern American cooking. In Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, the addition of fresh chili peppers like jalapeos or serranos adds a distinctive regional touch. Some variations include adding bell peppers, onions, or even tomatoes to enrich the sauce. In the South, brown sugar and soy sauce are often incorporated to balance the spiciness with a hint of sweetness, creating a signature sweet-heat profile that differentiates it from other chicken stews or braises.

What Makes It Different from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional chicken chili or spicy chicken casseroles, Slow Cooker Jalapeo Chicken relies on a slow-cooking method that allows the flavors to meld over several hours without becoming dry or overly salty. Unlike stir-fry dishes or grilled jalapeo chicken, this recipe produces a thick, slightly caramelized sauce thanks to the combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Its balance of heat, sweetness, and tenderness makes it distinct from both plain roast chicken and other spicy chicken dishes.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is highly versatile and can be served in casual family dinners, potlucks, or even at small gatherings. It is most commonly enjoyed over steamed rice or alongside tortillas, making it a staple for weeknight dinners or slow-cooker meal prep. In restaurants offering American or Tex-Mex cuisine, a similar version may appear on the menu as a flavorful entree, often paired with a mild side to balance the heat of the jalapeos.

Interesting Facts

• Slow Cooker Jalapeo Chicken highlights the trend of combining convenience cooking with bold, ethnic flavors, reflecting changing American tastes in the 21st century.
• Jalapeos are rich in capsaicin, which not only adds heat but also provides health benefits like boosting metabolism and supporting cardiovascular health.
• The dishs caramelized sweet-salty sauce demonstrates a cooking principle often found in Asian-inspired American cuisine, showcasing how cross-cultural flavors can merge seamlessly.
• Despite its spiciness, this dish can be adjusted easily for all ages by removing seeds from the peppers or adding extra sugar for balance.
• The slow-cooking method allows home cooks to develop deep, layered flavors without constant attention, making it ideal for busy households.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Jalapeño Chicken Recipe

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