This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad brings a fun twist to your usual chicken salad. It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with chicken, jalapenos, cheese, and crispy bacon!
Perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic, this salad is as easy as tossing everything together. I love piling it high on a sandwich or just enjoying it with some crunchy chips!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken is the star here. I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience! If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or a bean mix instead for a hearty option.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. Low-fat cream cheese works too if you’re watching calories. You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter substitute that maintains creaminess.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise is great, but you could use Greek yogurt to add tang and reduce fat. Vegan mayonnaise is also a nice choice for a dairy-free option.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give a nice crunch, but if you’re looking for something milder, pickled jalapeños are a great choice. For a non-spicy version, try diced bell peppers.
Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of cheddar shines in this salad. You can substitute it with a reduced-fat version or try pepper jack for extra spice!
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Well Mixed?
Mixing the ingredients well is key to a delicious chicken salad. Here’s how to make sure everything comes together perfectly:
- Start by blending the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth to avoid lumps.
- When adding chicken, use a spatula to fold rather than stir. This keeps the chicken nice and fluffy!
- For even distribution, gently fold in the firmer ingredients like cheese and jalapeños last.
- Don’t rush the refrigeration step! Letting it chill allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for added spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to chill it for at least 30 minutes. So, all together, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large bowl, start by adding the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Use a spoon or a hand mixer to mix them together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base of your salad!
2. Combine with Chicken:
Next, add the shredded chicken into the creamy mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated in that tasty cream cheese blend. This is where the magic begins!
3. Add Cheese and Veggies:
Now it’s time to fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions. Mix gently so everything is evenly distributed, and you can see all those colorful ingredients!
4. Spice It Up:
If you love a little heat, now’s your chance! Add the hot sauce for an extra kick and mix again. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Give it a taste to make sure it’s just right!
5. Chill Out:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, which will allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good stir. Then, sprinkle some extra crumbled bacon and green onions on top for garnish. Enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature with your favorite crackers or on its own!
Can I Substitute the Chicken in This Salad?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a different protein, you can use shredded rotisserie turkey or even canned chicken for convenience. For a vegetarian option, try substituting the chicken with chickpeas or a bean mixture for added protein.
How Do I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, you can add more diced jalapeños or increase the amount of hot sauce according to your taste. Additionally, mixing in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or diced serrano peppers can provide an extra kick!
How Should I Store Leftover Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness. If the salad thickens after a day, simply stir in a little extra mayo or cream cheese to loosen it up before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Just mix all the ingredients and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add the garnish just before serving for a fresh touch!
