Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad
Turn up the flavor with this irresistible Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad recipe—a spicy, creamy twist on classic chicken salad that packs all the punch of your favorite appetizer. With tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, and a rich cream cheese dressing, this easy, protein-packed dish is perfect for wraps, sandwiches, or dipping with crackers.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie, poached, or canned)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 jalapeños finely diced (keep seeds for more heat)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
Seasoning (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Hot sauce or diced chipotle optional for extra heat
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mayo until smooth. Stir in lime juice, garlic powder, and any additional seasoning if using.
- Combine Ingredients: Add in shredded chicken, chopped jalapeños, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Enjoy cold in lettuce wraps, on toasted bread, with crackers, or as a dip.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken for convenience.
- For extra spice, include some jalapeño seeds or swap for serrano pepper.
- Make it lighter by using all Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Customize with mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, diced bell pepper, or chopped cilantro.
- Bring to room temperature before serving if cold straight from fridge.