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Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad
Imagine a dish that marries the creamy goodness of chicken salad with the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers—all while being keto-friendly! This Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad is not just any salad; it’s a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for those on a low-carb diet. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week, hosting a casual get-together, or looking for a quick family dinner, this recipe is bound to impress.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad a standout choice? For starters, it delivers on taste and texture with creamy, cheesy goodness combined with the zest of fresh jalapeños. It’s also incredibly easy to whip up, making it suitable for busy weeknights or relaxed brunches. Plus, it’s a low-carb dish that even non-keto eaters will enjoy.
“This is my go-to recipe when I want something quick yet impressive for gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!” – Happy Home Cook
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad is straightforward, requiring just a few steps. You’ll first need to prepare your chicken, then mix the creamy ingredients, followed by folding in the flavorful add-ins like bacon and jalapeños. In no time, you’ll have a delicious salad ready to chill and serve!
Everything You Need for This Recipe
To create this mouthwatering salad, gather the following ingredients:
- 2.5 lbs Chicken Breast (cooked & chopped)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened; for a vegan option, try using cream cheese alternatives)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (opt for avocado mayo for a healthy twist)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (feel free to add more for extra heat)
- Salt/Pepper (Pinch, to taste)
- 4 slices Cooked Bacon (chopped; turkey bacon is a great substitute)
- 1 large Jalapeno (seeded & chopped)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or a dairy-free shredded cheese for a lactose-free version)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the chicken: Use your preferred method—poaching, grilling, or baking. If poaching, expect to cook the chicken for about 15-20 minutes until fully done. Once cooked, chop and set aside.
- Prepare your ingredients: Chop the cooked bacon and finely chop the seeded jalapeño.
- Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well incorporated.
- Fold in the add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped bacon, jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Chill and serve: Transfer the mixture to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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How to Serve Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad
This salad can be enjoyed in so many delightful ways! Serve it in lettuce wraps for a crunchy, low-carb option, or on a slice of keto-friendly bread for a heartier meal. Pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crispy veggie sticks for dipping.
Best Way to Store Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad
To keep your Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, it should be consumed within 3 to 5 days. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare all the ingredients and mix them on the day you plan to serve them.
Furthermore, avoid freezing this salad, as the creamy components may separate after thawing.
Helpful Hints
For those looking to take this recipe to the next level, consider the following tips:
- Spice it up: If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeño or even a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Creamy alternatives: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that’s still healthy.
- Flavor boosters: Add diced green onions or cilantro for an extra pop of freshness and color!
Recipe Variations
This Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad is versatile! Here are a few creative twists you might consider:
- Buffalo Chicken: Replace the jalapeños with buffalo sauce for a spicy kick!
- Taco-Style: Mix in diced tomatoes and top with avocado for a fun taco-inspired salad.
- Herby Addition: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can add brightness and flavor.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is about 20 minutes if the chicken is cooked beforehand. The chilling time enhances the flavors, so plan for at least 30 minutes!
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds great flavor.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used are gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check those on-brand products for any hidden gluten.
Whether you’re new to keto cooking or a seasoned pro, this Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad is sure to elevate your meal repertoire! Enjoy the effortless blend of flavors while sticking to your dietary goals.
Print
Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A creamy and flavorful salad that combines chicken salad with the bold taste of jalapeño poppers, perfect for those on a low-carb diet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lbs Chicken Breast (cooked & chopped)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 1 cup Mayonnaise (avocado mayo recommended)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- 4 slices Cooked Bacon (chopped)
- 1 large Jalapeno (seeded & chopped)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken using your preferred method until fully done, then chop and set aside.
- Chop the cooked bacon and finely chop the seeded jalapeño.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Gently fold in the chopped bacon, jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve in lettuce wraps or on keto-friendly bread. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: keto salad, chicken salad, jalapeno poppers, low carb meal, keto recipe
