Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad (Printable View)
Creamy chicken salad bursting with jalapeño kick, bacon, cheddar, and a tangy dressing for easy meals.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
03 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
→ Dressing
05 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
07 - 1/4 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Add-ins & Toppings
13 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 - 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
# How to Prepare:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
02 - Add the cooked chicken breast, diced jalapeños, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the dressing. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
03 - Fold in the crumbled bacon and half of the chopped chives. Mix gently to maintain texture.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
05 - Garnish with the remaining chives. Serve chilled over lettuce, in lettuce wraps, or accompanied by preferred crackers.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Ready in just over thirty minutes and mostly hands off
- Low carb and gluten free so it fits lots of dietary needs
- Perfect for using up leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Customizable heat level for everyone's preference
02 -
- Super high in protein and low in carbs
- Stays fresh for several days in the fridge
- Makes an excellent meal prep option
03 -
- Letting the salad chill lets the flavors meld and makes it extra creamy
- Do not skip the bacon unless needed for dietary reasons It adds a lot of smoky popper character
- If serving for a party garnish with thin jalapeño rings for a spicy finish