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In this simple and delicious Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad recipe, tangy pickled jalapenos are mixed with a cream cheese dressing and loaded with bacon, cheddar, and green onions. It has lots of texture and the most mouthwatering flavor.
If you adore chicken salad as much as I do, be sure to check out more of my Dill Pickle Chicken Salad, Street Corn Chicken Salad, Buffalo Chicken Salad, BLT Chicken Salad, or my Italian Grinder Chicken Salad.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad
Don’t let the word jalapeno scare you if you aren’t a heat lover. Since we use mostly pickled jalapenos in this recipe, it has a mild kick of heat, but that creamy dressing cools it down.
This jalapeno popper chicken salad is packed with protein; simply pair it with celery, cucumbers, or crackers for a complete meal. I love to make a big batch of this at the beginning of the week and have it on hand to snack on throughout the workday. It makes a great lunch or a hearty snack to hold you over until your next meal.
If you adore anything jalapeno popper flavor, you have to check out my Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip, Smoked Jalapeno Popper Dip, Jalapeno Popper Toasted Pinwheel Sandwiches, or my Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers.
Key Ingredients
Chicken – rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, but you’re also welcome to poach your own chicken instead.
Jalapeno – a combination of pickled jalapenos along with their juice and some fresh jalapenos (with the seeds removed to reduce heat). You can select mild or spicy pickled jalapenos based on your preference. We just wanted a small kick of heat, so I chose mild (sometimes referred to as tamed).
Bacon – crispy bacon is diced up to add a savory crunch.
Creamy Dressing – a combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo, along with salt, pepper, and ranch seasoning.
Onions – I use both green onions and red onions for lots of flavor.
Cheddar Cheese – shredded cheddar pairs so well with the jalapeno popper flavor.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad
Start by making the dressing and in a large bowl combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Add in the ranch seasoning, salt, pepper and juice from the pickled jalapenos. Mix well until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed.
Add all the remaining ingredients: shredded chicken, pickled and fresh jalapenos, red onions, green onions, bacon, and cheddar.
Toss all the ingredients with the dressing to coat everything evenly.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Looking for More Chicken Salad Recipes?
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
Street Corn Chicken Salad
Buffalo Chicken Salad
BLT Chicken Salad
Italian Grinder Chicken Salad
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for my creamy and smoky Bacon Jalapeno Popper Dip. Be sure to comment below with any questions or feedback!
If you make these or any other recipes, don’t forget to tag me on IG @BadBatchBaking to be featured on my story. Seeing your recreations makes my day!
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños diced
- 1 fresh jalapeno diced and seeds removed
- 6 strips crispy bacon chopped
- 1/3 cup green onion diced (mostly green, some white parts)
- 1/3 cup red onion diced
- 2/3 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Dressing
- 1/2 block (4 ounces) cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons juice from jar of pickled jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon powdered ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Start by making the dressing in the base of a large mixing bowl. Combine the softened cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream.
- Add the ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and juice from the pickled jalapeños – starting with 2 tablespoons. Taste and adjust, adding more if needed. Mix well until smooth.
- Add all the remaining ingredients: shredded chicken, pickled and fresh jalapeños, bacon, red onions, green onions, and cheddar.
- Toss all the ingredients with the dressing to coat everything evenly.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you love pickled tangy flavors, you will adore this jalapeno popper version in my latest chicken salad recipe lineup.