Description
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and fresh jalapeños. Perfect as a quick lunch, sandwich filling, or snack with crackers, it brings the classic jalapeño popper flavors in a cool, refreshing salad form.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Bacon
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Dressing & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
Cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Prepare Creamy Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lime juice, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and well combined.
- Add Jalapeños: Stir the finely chopped jalapeños into the cream cheese mixture, adjusting the quantity based on your desired spice level for the salad.
- Mix Dressing with Chicken: Pour the creamy jalapeño dressing over the chicken and bacon mixture. Toss thoroughly until the chicken and bacon are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste preference.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh herbaceous touch, if desired.
- Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy on its own, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your preferred spice level.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise.
- This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adding cilantro or parsley enhances freshness but is optional.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.
