Delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, and spicy jalapeños, perfect as a snack or light meal. This no-cook recipe incorporates crispy bacon and fresh herbs for an elevated twist on a classic popper flavor, ready in under 15 minutes with a chilling period.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (mainly for cooking bacon if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Dairy
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (optional if using more cream cheese)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or preferred cheese)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 pieces Fresh Jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat
- 2 tablespoons Green Onions (or chives)
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro (optional)
Meat
- 4 slices Bacon (can substitute turkey bacon or omit)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixing Base: In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise together until they form a smooth and creamy mixture, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the Chicken: Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken, mixing just enough to coat the chicken evenly without breaking it down too much.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in the chopped jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined, balancing the flavors throughout the mixture.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste your mixture and add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed to suit your preference for heat and flavor.
- Top and Chill: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, topping it with additional cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon pieces.
- Refrigerate: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to set before serving.
Notes
- For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños completely.
- Can substitute bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a lighter salad.
- Chilling is essential for improved flavor and texture; do not skip.
- This salad can be served as a dip with crackers or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- Use rotisserie chicken for easy preparation and enhanced flavor.
Keywords: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad, creamy chicken salad, spicy chicken salad, jalapeño chicken, bacon chicken salad
