Description
A creamy, spicy, and savory chicken salad that captures the flavor profile of jalapeno poppers. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225g) heavy cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 to 3 medium fresh jalapenos, finely diced
- 1 packet (1 oz or 28g) ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup (30g) red onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt and garlic powder (for seasoning chicken)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Chop the cooled chicken into bite-sized chunks.
- Finely dice the jalapenos, celery, and red onion. Remove seeds from jalapenos if less spice is desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing mix. Whisk or stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chopped chicken, diced vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes is crucial for flavor melding. Do not freeze this salad as the dairy may separate. Serve on greens, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 27.5
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 27.5
Keywords: jalapeno popper chicken salad, creamy chicken salad, spicy chicken salad, meal prep, quick dinner, appetizer, gluten-free