Description
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad is a creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that brings the comfort of your favorite appetizer to a healthy lunch or dinner. It is a fantastic way to transform shredded chicken into a zesty meal that tastes great on crackers, tucked into lettuce wraps, or piled onto a toasted sandwich. Perfect for busy families, this nutritious salad balances the tang of Greek yogurt and cream cheese with the heat of fresh and pickled jalapenos.
Ingredients
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1/3 cup pickled jalapenos, chopped
1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1 fresh jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, green onions, pickled jalapenos, fresh chopped jalapeno, and cilantro.
Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the chicken mixture.
Stir thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt or a splash of jalapeno brine if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Adjust the amount of jalapenos to suit your family’s heat preference. Rotisserie chicken makes this an incredibly quick assembly for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American