Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad combines the creamy, cheesy flavors of jalapeño poppers with tender chicken for a spicy, satisfying dish. Packed with protein, a touch of heat, and plenty of flavor, this chicken salad is perfect as a sandwich filling, served on a bed of greens, or enjoyed as a dip with crackers. With a creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and the perfect balance of heat from fresh jalapeños, this easy-to-make salad is a delicious way to elevate your usual chicken salad recipe.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crumbled bacon (about 4 slices cooked)
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, shred or dice the cooked chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breasts and shred them for this recipe.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chicken and other ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped jalapeños to the bowl with the dressing. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers as a dip. You can also use it to stuff avocado halves for a low-carb option.
Notes:
- Spice Level: If you like more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños. For a milder version, remove the seeds and ribs completely.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced tomatoes, green onions, or avocado for additional flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: This chicken salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese and vegan mayonnaise.
Conclusion:
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad brings all the delicious flavors of a jalapeño popper into a creamy chicken salad. With spicy jalapeños, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, it’s a satisfying dish that will appeal to spice lovers and comfort food fans alike. Whether you enjoy it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or as a dip, this chicken salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad ahead of time, and if so, how long will it last?
Yes, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for making ahead! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld and improve over time, making it even more delicious. Be sure to stir it before serving, as the ingredients may settle slightly.
What are some good substitutions if I don’t have all the ingredients, or want to make it dairy-free?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cream cheese or sour cream, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt (use the same amount) for a tangier flavor, or use an equal amount of dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream cheese and vegan sour cream. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayonnaise. If you are out of bacon, you can substitute with cooked and crumbled turkey bacon, or omit it entirely.
How do I know when the Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad has the right balance of flavors and is ready to serve?
The Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is ready to serve when all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the flavors have melded. The dressing should be creamy and coat the chicken and other ingredients evenly. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference. You can also adjust the jalapeño amount to achieve your desired level of heat.
Can I double or triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up! Simply double or triple the ingredient amounts proportionally. You may need to use a larger mixing bowl to accommodate the increased volume. There shouldn’t be a significant change in cooking time, but make sure to taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
What are the nutritional highlights of this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad?
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is packed with protein from the chicken and offers healthy fats from the mayonnaise and sour cream. The cheddar cheese provides calcium, and the jalapeños contribute Vitamin C and capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. The bacon adds protein and flavor. Serving this with vegetables like lettuce or avocado boosts the nutritional value even further.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
This spicy and creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is perfect for any occasion. It's packed with flavors and can be served as a main dish or a side.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 jalapeño pepper diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, cheddar cheese, bacon, and jalapeño.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken mix and stir until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Adjust the number of jalapeños for preferred spice level.
