March 17, 2026

Studio Cookin’ – Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Sliders with Pepper Cream – With Judge Tim Lapham

Today, we’re studio cookin’ once again with the legendary Judge Tim Lapham back in the house!
This time, he’s bringing the heat (and some sweet tropical vibes) with these irresistible Soft-Baked Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Sliders with Pepper Cream—a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, cheesy, and creamy that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Buckle up for more laughs, kitchen chaos, and Judge Lapham’s signature style. You’ve been warned… this one’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!

 

 

🎙️ Host:

Shelley Stuessel-Brian

Director of Operations, Austin County News Online & Co-Creator, Hello Austin County

Greg Stuessel

Publisher, Executive Producer, Technical Director
Austin County News Online & Austin County Media

🎙️ Guests:

Tim Lapham, County Judge

Austin County, Texas

🎧 Episode Recipe:

Soft-Baked Pineapple Jalapeño Chicken Sliders with Pepper Cream

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 cup pineapple, finely chopped
2 jalapeños, diced (adjust for heat level—remove seeds for milder)
8 slider buns (small hamburger buns work great too!)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pepper Cream:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeños and chopped pineapple, then
sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt
and pepper to taste.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and a
pinch of salt to make the pepper cream—smooth, tangy, and peppery!

Toast the slider buns in the oven for 3–5 minutes until lightly golden.

To assemble: Spread a generous layer of pepper cream on the bottom half of each bun. Pile on the warm chicken-pineapple-jalapeño mixture, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Place the topped sliders (bottoms only for now) back in the oven for 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. Add the top buns and serve hot!

Tips & Twists

Want extra kick? Leave some jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mix.

For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños or swap for milder peppers. These are best fresh from the oven—melty cheese and warm filling make them irresistible!