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Chicken Salad Jalapeño Popper

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

This creamy chicken salad with jalapeños is a win! Done in 30 minutes, the bacon crunch, cream cheese richness, and light peppery heat are addicting. It’s perfect as a wrap or sandwich filling that stands out from the usual boring chicken salads. Try it!
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Updated on Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:25:08 GMT
A close-up of a creamy chicken salad loaded with jalapeño slices, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and cilantro on top. Pin it
A close-up of a creamy chicken salad loaded with jalapeño slices, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and cilantro on top. | tasteofmoms.com

Tangy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Turn your favorite appetizer into a mouthwatering meal with this jalapeño popper chicken salad. You'll fall for the mix of smooth cheeses, crunchy bacon bits and zesty jalapeños that work together beautifully. It's fantastic stuffed in flaky croissants or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a quick lunch or easy dinner option.

What Makes This Chicken Salad Special

This jalapeño popper chicken salad really stands out from ordinary versions. The smooth cream cheese brings a wonderful richness while those spicy jalapeños and crunchy bacon bits add exciting flavor layers. I always reach for this recipe when I need something impressive that doesn't take much work.

Ingredients You Need

  • Cream Cheese: Gives everything that smooth, velvety base.
  • Mayonnaise: Creates the traditional chicken salad foundation.
  • Cooked Chicken: Store-bought rotisserie makes this super quick.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds that wonderful sharp flavor.
  • Bacon: Brings amazing crunch and smokiness.
  • Jalapeños: Toss in as few or many as you want.

Putting It Together

Whip The Base
Mix your cream cheese and mayo until completely smooth.
Season It Up
Stir in your favorite spices for flavor.
Mix Everything
Gently combine chicken, cheese, bacon and diced jalapeños.
Cool It Down
Pop it in the fridge so flavors can mingle properly.

Custom Tweaks

Adjust the spiciness by keeping or tossing those jalapeño seeds. Looking for something less heavy? Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt. Short on time? A grocery store rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Enjoy it your way - between bread slices, in a tortilla wrap, or nestled in lettuce cups.

Storage Tips

This chicken salad stays good in your fridge for up to four days. Just give it a quick mix before you eat it since it thickens while sitting. If it seems too stiff, a small spoonful of mayo will bring back that smooth, creamy texture you want.

A bowl of creamy chicken salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, and green onions. Pin it
A bowl of creamy chicken salad topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, and green onions. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do jalapeños add a lot of heat?

If you remove the seeds, they’re mild and just add flavor. But keep them in for a hot kick.

→ Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat gives the best taste and texture overall.

→ Which type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie is ideal since it’s flavorful and saves time, but any cooked chicken is fine.

→ What’s a lighter version?

Switch to Greek yogurt instead of mayo or go for lighter cheese options.

→ How long will leftovers last?

Keep it in the fridge in a sealed container, and it’ll stay good for 3–4 days.

Chicken Salad Jalapeño Popper

Inspired by jalapeño poppers, this creamy chicken mix includes cheddar, bacon, fresh peppers, and cream cheese. It's flavorful and easy.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 bowl)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 teaspoon onion powder.
02 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
03 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled.
04 1/2 cup mayo.
05 2 cups shredded chicken, cooked.
06 4 ounces softened cream cheese.
07 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated.
08 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
09 2-3 jalapeños, diced and seeds removed.
10 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Whip the mayonnaise and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

Step 02

Stir in the spices until everything's blended.

Step 03

Mix in the chicken, cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños until evenly combined.

Step 04

Pop it in the fridge for 30-60 minutes with a cover on.

Step 05

Enjoy with lettuce wraps, bread, or croissants.

Notes

  1. Take out jalapeño seeds if you'd like it milder.
  2. Low-fat cream cheese works fine.
  3. Rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut.
  4. Plain Greek yogurt can replace mayo.
  5. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big mixing bowl.
  • Hand or electric mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheddar, cream cheese).
  • Includes eggs (mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 412
  • Total Fat: 36 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g