Description
This creamy, slightly spicy chicken salad combines the rich flavors of jalapeño poppers with tender chicken for a versatile dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese
- 3 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- ½ cup finely chopped smoked beef strips (halal alternative for a smoky flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional add-ins: green onions, sliced
- Optional add-ins: roasted corn
- Optional add-ins: fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional add-ins: crushed tortilla chips, for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, and chopped smoked beef strips until evenly distributed.
- Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and gently stir until all the chicken is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the jalapeños or substitute with mild green chilies.
- Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs after chilling.
- Great for meal prep and holds up well in the fridge for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
