Description
A spicy, creamy, and crunchy chicken salad that mimics the flavor of jalapeño poppers. It is perfect for meal prep, staying fresh and flavorful for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 medium fresh jalapeños, finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk vigorously with a fork until smooth and creamy.
- Dice the jalapeños, celery, and red onion into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch). If the onion is too pungent, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the shredded chicken and add the diced vegetables. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to prevent the chicken from breaking down.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
- Serve chilled on lettuce leaves, crackers, or in wraps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth dressing. Do not freeze this salad as the dairy and vegetables will become watery upon thawing. For less heat, remove seeds and membranes from the jalapeños. The salad improves in flavor after chilling for a few hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cu
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken salad, jalapeño popper, meal prep, high protein, creamy salad, spicy chicken, lunch ideas, gluten-free