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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Featured in Easy Family Meals.

This jalapeno popper chicken salad is addictive! Takes 30 minutes tops. The cream cheese makes it rich while bacon adds perfect crunch. Those mild jalapenos give just enough kick. Made it for lunch meal prep and it disappeared fast. Perfect sandwich filling that's way more exciting than regular chicken salad.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:27:06 GMT
A close-up of a creamy chicken salad topped with jalapeño slices, crisp bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Pin it
A close-up of a creamy chicken salad topped with jalapeño slices, crisp bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. | lastminrecipes.com

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

This jalapeño popper chicken salad transforms your favorite appetizer into an amazing meal. The combination of creamy cheeses crispy bacon and fresh jalapeños creates something totally irresistible. I love serving it in buttery croissants or crisp lettuce wraps for the perfect lunch or light dinner.

Why Everyone Loves This Chicken Salad

What makes this jalapeño popper chicken salad special is how it takes classic chicken salad up several notches. The cream cheese adds incredible richness while those fresh jalapeños and crispy bacon create layers of amazing flavor. It's become my go-to when I want to make something that impresses without much fuss.

What You'll Need

  • Cream Cheese: Makes everything perfectly creamy.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds that classic chicken salad base.
  • Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie makes it extra easy.
  • Cheddar Cheese: For that perfect cheesy kick.
  • Bacon: Makes everything better when it's crispy.
  • Jalapeños: Add as much heat as you like.

Let's Make It

Start With The Cream
Beat your cream cheese and mayo until silky smooth.
Add Your Flavors
Mix in all those perfect seasonings.
Bring It Together
Fold in chicken cheese bacon and those fresh jalapeños.
Let It Chill
Give flavors time to blend in the fridge.

Make It Your Own

Control the heat by keeping or removing those jalapeño seeds. Want it lighter? Greek yogurt works great instead of mayo. No time to cook chicken? Grab a rotisserie bird from the store. Serve it however you love - in sandwiches wraps or fresh lettuce cups.

Keep It Fresh

Your chicken salad will stay delicious in the fridge for several days. Give it a good stir before serving since it gets thicker as it sits. If needed add a touch more mayo to bring back that perfect creamy texture.

A bowl of creamy chicken salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, and green onions. Pin it
A bowl of creamy chicken salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, and green onions. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Are the jalapeños very spicy?

Not when seeded; they add flavor with mild heat. Leave seeds for more spice.

→ Can I use light cream cheese?

Yes, though full-fat provides best flavor and texture.

→ What's the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.

→ Can I make this healthier?

Use light dairy products or substitute Greek yogurt for mayo.

→ How long does it keep?

Stays fresh 3-4 days when refrigerated in airtight container.

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A creamy chicken salad inspired by jalapeño poppers, featuring cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh jalapeños.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 bowl)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 ounces cream cheese, softened.
02 1/2 cup mayonnaise.
03 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
04 1 teaspoon onion powder.
05 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
07 2 cups cooked chicken.
08 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
09 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped.
10 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced.

Instructions

Step 01

Beat cream cheese and mayo until smooth.

Step 02

Add seasonings, mix well.

Step 03

Add chicken, cheese, bacon, jalapeños. Mix until combined.

Step 04

Cover and chill 30-60 minutes.

Step 05

Serve on croissants, bread, or lettuce.

Notes

  1. Remove jalapeño seeds for mild spice.
  2. Can use light cream cheese.
  3. Rotisserie chicken works well.
  4. Can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo.
  5. Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large bowl.
  • Electric mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, cheddar).
  • Eggs (mayonnaise).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 412
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g