Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad Recipe

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy, spicy flavors that brings the best of both worlds together—jalapeño poppers and a hearty, protein-packed chicken salad. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or even a sandwich filling. Loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a kick of jalapeños, this salad is a flavor explosion in every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Cooking the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder on both sides. You can also add smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Cook the chicken: There are multiple ways to cook the chicken for this recipe:
   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding or chopping.
   • Oven-bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Let it cool slightly before shredding.
   • Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
3. Shred or chop the chicken: Once the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it into cubes, depending on your preference.

2 Preparing the Bacon

1. Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
2. Crumble the bacon: Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set aside.

3 Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Soften the cream cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature or soften it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This makes it easier to mix.
2. Mix the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lime juice (if using).
3. Add the cheddar cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.

4 Combining Ingredients

1. Fold in the chicken: Add the shredded or chopped chicken to the cream cheese mixture and stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Add the bacon: Mix in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for topping later if you’d like a crispy garnish.
3. Incorporate the jalapeños: Gently fold in the diced jalapeños. For extra spice, you can add more jalapeños or opt for pickled ones for a tangy contrast.
4. Taste and adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more garlic powder, smoked paprika, or salt and pepper to suit your flavor preferences.

Customizing Your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

1 Adjusting Spice Levels

• Mild version: For a less spicy version, use fewer jalapeños and remove all seeds and membranes. You can also substitute poblano peppers, which are milder.
• Spicy version: If you love heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños and consider adding a splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra fire.

2 Adding Vegetables

To make the salad more nutritious, consider adding vegetables like:

• Avocado: Adds creaminess and balances the spiciness.
• Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness.
• Bell peppers: These sweet peppers complement the spicy jalapeños and add vibrant color.
• Chopped green onions or red onion: For an added bite of flavor.

3 Low-Carb or Keto Version

This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, but to lighten it up even more:

• Use full-fat ingredients: Stick to full-fat cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream for a keto-friendly version.
• Omit the cheddar cheese if you’re watching your fat intake, or reduce the amount for a lighter version.

Serving Ideas

1 Salad or Sandwich?

• Salad: Serve the jalapeño popper chicken salad as is, over a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or romaine lettuce for a low-carb meal.
• Sandwich: This salad is also fantastic as a sandwich filling. Spread it between slices of toasted ciabatta, sourdough, or even in a wrap for an easy lunch option.
• Stuffed into avocados: Hollow out avocados and stuff them with this chicken salad for a fun, healthy presentation.
• Served with crackers or celery: Perfect for a snack or appetizer, you can use crackers, celery sticks, or cucumber slices as dippers for a lighter alternative.

2 Toppings and Garnishes

• Extra cheese: Sprinkle additional cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
• Bacon bits: Reserve some crispy bacon bits to sprinkle over the top for an added crunch.
• Fresh herbs: Garnish with chopped cilantro, parsley, or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

Storing and Reheating

1. Storing

• Refrigerate: Store the jalapeño popper chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep.

2. Reheating

• Serve cold or warm: This salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or warmed slightly for a more comforting meal.
• Reheat gently: If you prefer it warm, reheat in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, as the cream cheese mixture can become too oily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

• Yes, canned chicken can be used in place of freshly cooked chicken for convenience, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will offer better texture and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients, such as bacon or cheese, are labeled gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

• Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese, cheddar, and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives. Look for plant-based cream cheese and cheese at your local grocery store.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a fun and flavorful dish that brings together the best of jalapeño poppers and classic chicken salad. Whether you’re serving it as a main course, a side, or as part of a sandwich, this recipe is sure to please a crowd. With its creamy, cheesy texture and spicy kick from the jalapeños, it’s a delicious and versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again!

Yield: 4

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad Recipe

Print

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy, spicy flavors that brings the best of both worlds together—jalapeño poppers and a hearty, protein-packed chicken salad. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, side dish, or even a sandwich filling. Loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a kick of jalapeños, this salad is a flavor explosion in every bite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Lettuce leaves or bread, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
• Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Salad Base:

• In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and well-combined.

3. Mix in the Ingredients:

• Add the shredded or chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, and chopped green onions into the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.

4. Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the chicken salad and season with additional salt, pepper, or extra jalapeños for more heat, if desired.

5. Serve:

• Serve the jalapeño popper chicken salad on lettuce leaves for a low-carb option or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

6. Garnish:

• Garnish with fresh cilantro (optional) and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust Heat: You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or removing the seeds.

Meal Prep: This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Serving Ideas: Serve with crackers, tortilla chips, or as a dip for veggies.