This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad brings all the tasty flavors of jalapeño poppers to a fresh bowl of goodness! It combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, jalapeños, and crunchy veggies.
It’s the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy that makes every bite enjoyable. I love to serve this salad on toasted bread or just eat it straight from the bowl—no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using shredded rotisserie chicken for ease. If you don’t have that, any cooked chicken will do, even canned chicken! Just make sure to drain it well.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient brings creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt instead, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Jalapeños: Raw jalapeños offer spice. You can use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist or bell peppers for no heat at all if you prefer something milder.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon is a great substitute if you want to cut down on fat. You can also skip it entirely if you want a vegetarian option.
How Do I Get the Right Creamy Texture for My Chicken Salad?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, start by letting your cream cheese soften at room temperature. This makes blending easier and smoother.
- Use a mixer or a sturdy spatula to combine cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Mix in the other ingredients gently to keep some chunkiness from the chicken and jalapeños.
- Don’t skip the chilling step! Refrigerating the salad helps it come together nicely and enhances the flavors.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- 4 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Reserved bacon
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep time and at least 30 minutes for chilling in the refrigerator. So, in total, it will take around 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and mayonnaise and mix them together until they are soft and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or just a sturdy spatula to get it all smooth.
2. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:
Next, add shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped jalapeños, and the white parts of the chopped green onions. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined—make sure all the chicken is coated!
3. Add the Bacon:
Now, gently fold in about half of the crumbled bacon, saving the rest for topping. This adds crunch and flavor!
4. Transfer and Garnish:
Scoop the mixture into a serving bowl. Sprinkle the top with the reserved bacon, additional shredded cheddar cheese, and the green parts of the chopped green onions for a pop of color.
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend together beautifully.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, serve your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad on toasted bread, crackers, or just enjoy it as a dip with vegetables. Each bite is full of creamy, spicy, and crunchy goodness!
This delightful salad captures the essence of jalapeño poppers and makes for a perfect snack or light meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and add it to your salad as directed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, consider adding more jalapeños or even a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also leave some seeds in the jalapeños for extra heat!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can make the chicken salad up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It’s perfect for meal prep!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, give it a good stir and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.