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One of the most versatile gadgets in my kitchen has got to be my slow-cooker. It not only brings dinner to the table with minimal effort, but it’s an absolute life-saver on the days when I literally don’t even have a moment for myself to just breathe (which is a LOT of days, and I don’t even have any kids yet!). Another instance my slow-cooker is a life-saver? Game-day!
Seriously, when I’m entertaining and having a gaggle full of friends and family over, one of my go-to slow-cooker dishes is always something that’s involved in the food lineup – as I’m sure it is with you too. That’s why I’ve teamed up with, Oh Sweet Basil, Crème de La Crumb, The Recipe Critic, Sweet Treats and More, Something Swanky and Favorite Family Recipes to bring you some of our best slow-cooker recipes for game day. Hamilton Beach was kind enough to provide slow-cookers for all of us girls, and I have to say, I’m totally smitten with mine!
In our house, messy slow-cooked sandwiches reign supreme, and I think this Blackberry Jalapeno version might be my favorite riff yet. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are covered in a mixture of sliced jalapenos, blackberry preserves, molasses, ketchup and garlic for a unique spin on a classic barbecue chicken sandwich. After about four hours, I pull the meat out, shred it and transfer it back to the pan to soak up all the sweet and spicy juices. I switch the dial to warm so that it’s nice and hot when guests start to pile their plates up. If you guests happen to be arriving early, go ahead and prepare everything the day before, and store the entire vessel in the fridge until about an hour before your guests are set to arrive.
I like to serve each sandwich on a sturdy pretzel roll (you’ll need it for these messy guys!), but a hearty brioche or hard-shelled hoagie would work wonderfully as well. Because I like my sandwiches chock-full of topping, each sandwich is piled high with sliced jalapenos, pepper jack cheese and – my favorite – crispy slices of bacon.
Be sure to check out all of the other mouth-watering slow-cooker recipes below!
- 3½ pounds skinless chicken thighs
- 10 ounces seedless blackberry preserves
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoon molasses
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 3 jalapeños, sliced thin
- 1½ medium onions, sliced thin
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 slices pepper jack
- 12 slices bacon, cooked
- 6 pretzel buns
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together preserves, ketchup, vinegar, molasses and salt and mustard. Pour over chicken. Sprinkle with sliced, onion, garlic and jalapeño. Toss to combine everything.
- Turn the slow-cooker on low, and cook for 5-6 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Pile hot chicken on pretzel buns and top with sliced jalapeños, cheese and bacon.
Chicken Fajita Dip~ Sweet Treats and More
Slow Cooker Meatballs– Favorite Family Recipes
Creamy Spinach Dip– Super Healthy Kids
Slow cooker S’mores Brownies– Something Swanky
Chipotle Chiken Taquitos- Creme de la Crumb
California Pizza Kitchen BBQ Chicken Dip– Oh, Sweet Basil
Honey Garlic Glazed Wings – The Recipe Critic
Special thanks to Hamilton Beach for provided slow-cookers!
Scarlet says
I would never have thought of this but they look delish! I bet the sweet from the berries is great with the heat from the jalapenos. PInning now to try soon.
Dee Bourgeois says
Has anyone tried using a different jam, like blueberry perhaps? Do you think the flavors would still about the same? It is a dark colored fruit and sweet after all.
SusanT says
These are undoubtedly one of the BEST things I have EVER eaten! Easy to make and totally delicious. I will be making these over and over again for my family and guests! One of the recipes that stays at the top of my list to make. Thanks!
Nicole says
Yay!