Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad

Glass bowl of Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad on a wooden background with a block of cheddar cheese and onion.

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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a spicy, flavor-packed twist on the classic chicken salad. Tender chicken, diced jalapeños, cheddar cheese, smoky bacon and cream cheese are the heart of this dish. Everyone's favorite appetizer has been transformed into the best high-protein grab-and-go meal!

Prep Time10

Chill Time20

Total Time30

Servings: Servings

Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

3 cups shredded or diced chicken
1 cup diced celery
1/2 yellow onion diced
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 cup jarred or canned diced jalapeños plus 1 tablespoon juice (or more to taste)
1/4 cup chopped crispy bacon or bacon bits
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4 ounces cream cheese softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Taste, then season with salt and pepper, and additional jalapeno juice to taste.
Chill the salad for 15-30 minutes or until the flavors meld together. I like to top the jalapeno popper chicken salad with additional bacon crumbles, shredded cheese, and jalapeno slices for presentation.
You can serve with your choice of greens, bread, crackers, or stuffed in an avocado or tomato.

Notes

Serving ideas:

Lettuce wraps
Sandwich
on crackers
on cucumber or zucchini slices
Stuffed in mini peppers
on a hollowed avocado or tomato
warm in a panini sandwich

Garnish options:

Bacon
shredded cheddar
jalapeno slices

Nutrition