Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad

Introduction

Give your chicken salad an upgrade with this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad recipe bursting with irresistible flavors. It combines the creamy goodness of classic chicken salad with the addictive taste of jalapeño poppers. Diced chicken is mixed with crispy bacon, cheese, jalapeños, and a tangy green onion dressing for next-level flavor. Scoop it on salads, stuff it in sandwiches, or serve it with crackers for an easy meal or party appetizer. Keep reading for the full recipe, serving ideas, and customization options.

Benefits of Chicken Salad

Chicken salad offers many nutritional benefits:

• High in lean protein for building muscle
• Provides important vitamins like A, E, B6, and K
• Rich in minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc
• May help lower LDL cholesterol
• Contains antioxidants from mayonnaise and vegetables

Benefits of Jalapeños

Jalapeños add a spicy kick along with:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Antioxidants

Ingredients

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad requires:

• Cooked chicken, diced
• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños
• Bacon
• Green onions
• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Seasonings

Recipe Instructions

Cook Chicken

Dice chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Cook Bacon

Cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and chop.

Prep Remaining Ingredients

Dice jalapeños, shred cheeses, slice green onions. Grate lemon zest. Mix mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings.

Combine Salad

In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, cheeses, jalapeño, green onion, lemon zest, mayo mixture. Stir well.

Season and Chill

Season salad to taste. Cover and refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this versatile Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad:

• Stuffed in sandwiches or wraps
• Scooped over lettuce for salad
• Served in avocado halves
• Topped on crackers or toast points
• Added to omelets or breakfast tacos
• As a dip with tortilla chips or veggies

Customization Ideas

Adapt this recipe to your taste:

• Use pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese
• Add crumbled queso fresco for tang
• Mix in roasted red peppers
• Swap green onions for chives
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
• Stir in chopped cilantro

Storage and Serving Tips

Store chicken salad up to 5 days refrigerated. Stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.

Storage Tips

• Keep stored in an airtight container
• Ensure chicken is cooled before refrigerating
• Press plastic wrap onto surface before sealing
• Consume within 3-5 days

Common Questions

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, drained canned chicken can be used instead of fresh cooked chicken.

What's the best way to dice the chicken?

Aim for 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch pieces so the textures match nicely.

How long does this chicken salad last?

It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, cook chicken and prep ingredients 1-2 days ahead, then mix and chill salad when ready.

Is this chicken salad gluten-free as written?

Yes, this recipe does not contain any gluten ingredients.

Conclusion

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad takes classic chicken salad up a notch with spicy jalapeños, savory bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy dressings. The addictive flavors of popular jalapeño poppers are transformed into an easy chicken salad perfect for sandwiches, on salads, or scooped with crackers. Adjust the heat to your taste and whip up this fan favorite any night of the week!