This Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and spicy jalapenos. It’s creamy, crunchy, and has just the right kick!
It’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack, trust me, one bowl will have you hooked! I love serving it in lettuce wraps for an extra crunch—so fun and healthy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great and saves time! If you don’t have any, leftover grilled or poached chicken can also work. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned for the best flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives a rich, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt. Both will change the taste slightly but work well in this dish.
Jalapeños: These are key for spice. If you prefer milder flavors, try using banana peppers or bell peppers. You can also leave out the seeds in the jalapeños to reduce the heat.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, use turkey bacon. Vegan bacon or smoked paprika can provide a similar flavor without meat.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Salad is Well-Mixed?
To ensure every ingredient blends perfectly, start by mixing the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. This base will help coat the chicken and other ingredients without clumps. Once you add the chicken and veggies, stir gently but thoroughly to distribute everything evenly.
- Mix the cheese and mayo until there are no lumps.
- Add the chicken, jalapeños, and onions but don’t over-mix to keep the textures.
- Finally, always taste before serving to adjust seasonings!
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you’d like to chill it for extra flavor, add an additional 30 minutes. A quick recipe that packs a punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Base:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise into the bowl. Use a fork or a hand mixer to blend these two ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your delicious salad!
2. Adding the Chicken and Vegetables:
Next, it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in the shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, finely chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients together.
3. Seasoning the Salad:
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and add salt and pepper to your liking. Give everything another good stir to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Feel free to taste your mixture and adjust the heat with more jalapeños if you’re feeling bold!
4. Serving the Salad:
Transfer your vibrant chicken salad to a serving dish. For a beautiful finish, garnish with extra sliced green onions and crumbled bacon on top. Such a lovely touch! You can serve it right away, or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and develop even more. Enjoy it on its own or with some tasty keto-friendly crackers!
Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can use canned chicken as a convenient alternative! Just drain it well and shred it into smaller pieces before adding it to the salad. This will save you some prep time without compromising flavor!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want more heat, you can add extra diced jalapeños or incorporate some jalapeño juice from the jar. If you prefer it milder, consider using bell peppers instead, or just remove all the seeds from the jalapeños before dicing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftover jalapeño popper chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation may occur. It can also be perfect for meal prepping!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you want to switch things up, you can use cheddar cheese or pepper jack for added flavor. Just make sure to shred or crumble it finely so it mixes well with the other ingredients. Enjoy experimenting!
