Can I make this chicken salad less spicy?

Start with just one pickled jalapeno and remove all the seeds before dicing. You can also replace half the jalapenos with diced green bell peppers to keep the flavor without the heat.

What's the best substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Replace all the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier jalapeno popper chicken salad. Sour cream also works well as a direct substitute if that's what you have on hand.

Can I use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled?

Fresh jalapenos work great but deliver a different flavor profile. Use 1-2 fresh jalapenos with seeds removed, and consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic that tangy pickled taste.

Best Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad Recipe

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad

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Protein-packed chicken salad with all the creamy, spicy flavors of jalapeno poppers. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Author: James Carter Jr
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mix
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (about 12 oz) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2–3 pickled jalapenos, finely diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pickles for extra tang

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced jalapenos, red onion, minced garlic, and cilantro to the bowl.
Stir in the lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
If using, add the chopped pickles and stir to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more jalapenos for extra spice or more lime juice for additional tang.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Give the salad a quick stir and serve chilled with your choice of accompaniments like lettuce cups, crackers, or wraps.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt. Remove jalapeno seeds for milder spice.
Store separately from crackers or bread when meal prepping to prevent sogginess. Bacon should be completely cooled before adding.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/jalapeno-popper-chicken-salad/