Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad Recipe

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If you're craving something creamy, spicy, and satisfying, this jalapeño popper chicken salad recipe is a must-try. Inspired by classic jalapeño poppers, this low-carb salad features the perfect combination of chicken, bacon, cheddar, and jalapeños blended with a rich, creamy dressing.

Perfect for lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or serving with crackers, this versatile popper chicken salad is a quick and easy lunch or appetizer you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

What Is Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad?

This chicken salad combines all the elements of your favorite jalapeño poppers—cheddar, cream cheese, bacon, and jalapeños—to create a flavorful, protein-packed salad.

The result is a bold, zesty dish with a creamy texture and just the right amount of kick.

Unlike a traditional chicken salad recipe, this one is packed with flavor and has just enough heat to make it slightly spicy, without being overwhelming.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad Recipe

This salad is anything but boring. Here’s why it’s become a favorite:

• It’s packed with protein and flavor
• Great for low-carb and keto lifestyles
• Easy to prepare with simple, familiar ingredients
• Ideal for meal prep and lunch throughout the week
• You can serve it in multiple ways—lettuce wraps, crackers, or sandwiches

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility.

How to Make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Start by creating the creamy base using a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, blended with seasonings and lime juice. Once the dressing is smooth, fold in the chicken, bacon, cheddar, jalapeños, and green onions.

Let it chill to enhance the flavor. Serve and enjoy.

Ingredients for this jalapeño popper chicken salad recipe

• Cooked, cubed, or shredded chicken
• Bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
• Diced green onions
• Cream cheese, softened
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lime juice

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
2. Add the cooked chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and green onions.
3. Mix well until evenly combined.
4. Chill in an airtight container for at least 30 minutes before serving.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Any cooked chicken works well here. You can use baked chicken breasts, grilled chicken, or leftover seasoned chicken. Shredded chicken gives the salad a nice texture, but diced chicken also works.

To save time, use rotisserie chicken—it’s flavorful, moist, and requires no additional cooking.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent option. Simply remove the skin and bones, shred the meat, and stir it into the creamy base. It’s especially helpful when you need something fast and flavorful.

What Are the Best Substitutions for This Chicken Salad Recipe?

This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. Here are some popular substitution ideas:

• Swap sour cream or mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version and to add more protein
• Use turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon
• Add pickled jalapeños for extra tang
• Try sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack instead of classic cheddar
• Add diced red onion or chopped bell pepper for additional crunch and color

These substitutions allow you to adjust the recipe according to what you have in your fridge or your personal taste preferences.

How to Serve Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad (lettuce wraps and more)

This salad can be served in a variety of ways:

• In lettuce wraps (romaine or butter lettuce work great)
• Spread on low-carb crackers or cucumber rounds
• Stuffed into a low-carb tortilla or sandwich wrap
• Inside bell pepper halves
• On top of a green salad

It also makes a delicious dip for parties or gatherings when served chilled with crunchy vegetables.

How Long Does This Salad Keep?

Store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors become even better after resting for a few hours, which makes it ideal for meal prepping ahead of time.

It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the creamy ingredients can separate and lose their texture.

Is This a Low Carb or Keto Chicken Salad?

Yes, this jalapeño popper chicken salad is naturally low in carbs and high in protein and fat, making it perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles.

It’s gluten-free and can be made even lighter by using plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or mayonnaise.

For a low-carb serving option, enjoy it on lettuce wraps or with vegetable dippers.

Related Recipes You’ll Also Love

If you enjoy this popper chicken salad, you might like these other chicken-based recipes:

Jalapeño Popper Dip

High Protein Chicken Salad

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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