Description
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and mixed cheeses with a zesty jalapeño-infused dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, it can be served on its own, in sandwiches, or with crackers and lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bacon:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Dressing:
- 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)
Cheeses and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: In a large mixing bowl, mix the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a smaller bowl, blend 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 amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- Mix Dressing and Chicken: Pour the jalapeño cream cheese dressing over the chicken and bacon mixture, tossing everything together until all chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Fold in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing well.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley on top for added freshness and color.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy it alone, in a sandwich, or paired with crackers or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on your heat preference.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Use gluten-free crackers or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.
- If you prefer, add finely diced red onion for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
