Description
A quick, budget-friendly chicken salad that combines the flavors of jalapeño poppers with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, served in lettuce cups or over greens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast (cooked and shredded, or 2 cups rotisserie chicken)
- 8 ounces block cream cheese, softened
- 2 to 3 medium fresh jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed, diced
- 6 to 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
- 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season raw chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until done. Let cool and shred into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the bacon: Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small bits once cool.
- Prep the vegetables: Dice the jalapeños and slice the green onions thinly.
- Soften the cream cheese: Cut block cream cheese into cubes and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds until soft but not melted.
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken and softened cream cheese. Mash the cream cheese into the chicken until fully incorporated.
- Add flavorings: Stir in diced jalapeños, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Chill the mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up slightly.
- Assemble the salad: Serve the chicken mixture in romaine lettuce cups, toss with chopped lettuce, or serve on crackers.
Notes
For best results, use block cream cheese rather than spreadable tub cream cheese for a smoother texture. Remove jalapeño seeds to reduce heat. Do not freeze this salad as the cream cheese and lettuce do not freeze well. Store the chicken mixture and lettuce separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken mixtur
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: chicken salad, jalapeño popper, creamy chicken, bacon salad, lettuce cups, budget meals, meal prep, high protein, low carb, keto friendly