Jalapeno Chicken Salad | Quick & Easy Recipe

This Jalapeno Chicken Salad is bold, fresh, and packed with satisfying texture. Shredded rotisserie chicken gets tossed with crisp vegetables, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a little heat from both fresh and pickled jalapeños. The creamy dressing pulls everything together with lime juice and a splash of pickled jalapeño brine, adding tang that keeps the richness in check. It's quick to make, easy to prep ahead, and flexible enough to serve as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or protein-packed snack.

I've made no secret of my love for chicken and tuna salad. I could happily eat them for lunch on repeat, but a little variety goes a long way in keeping things interesting. I'm also a chronic afternoon snacker, which means I need something high in protein and fiber in the fridge that I can grab quickly and actually enjoy eating. High-protein snacks help keep me full longer. If I don't, I'll reach for the salty, crunchy shelf of the pantry every time. That's a habit I'm trying really hard to break. This recipe delivers that classic creamy chicken salad comfort, but with a tangy heat you won't find in a standard deli-style version. Fresh jalapeños bring a bright bite, while the pickled ones add a punchy tang that cuts through the mayo, bacon, and cheese. After testing it a few different ways, the combination of both turned out to be the clear winner.

Using rotisserie chicken means you can have this ready in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute lunches, or meal prep Sundays. Bold and delicious flavors aside, I really love the texture in this recipe. Crispy bacon, crunchy celery, and bell peppers balance the tender chicken and creamy dressing. Green onions and cilantro add a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve it on crusty bread, wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce wrap, stuffed into a pita, or scooped onto crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Looking for similar recipes? Try these: Jalapeno Popper Breakfast Casserole, Tuna Salad, Salmon Patties, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Fresh Spring Roll Salad, Loaded Chicken Bacon Club Sandwich Salad.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Salad Recipe

• Big flavor with minimal effort, thanks to rotisserie or leftover chicken
• Customizable heat level by adjusting the fresh and pickled jalapeños
• Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights
• High in protein and filling, while still fresh with great texture

Ingredient Highlights for Jalapeno Chicken Salad

• Rotisserie Chicken: The ultimate time-saver, rotisserie chicken is already seasoned, cooked, and ready to shred. It adds depth of flavor that plain poached chicken breast can't match, and it makes this recipe achievable on even the busiest days. You can also use leftover roast chicken or canned chicken.
• Bell Peppers & Celery: Fresh texture and color.  I like orange or red bell pepper in this recipe for both color and sweetness.
• Fresh Jalapenos: These bring bright, grassy heat and a crisp texture. The membranes and seeds contain most of the heat, so you can control the spice level by removing them for a milder salad or leaving them in if you like it hot.
• Pickled Jalapenos: Adding both the peppers and their brine is key to this recipe's success. The pickled peppers give tangy, vinegary heat, and the brine acts as a secret ingredient in the dressing, adding acidity and depth without needing another vinegar. Choose a jar of mild or hot, depending on your preference.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Mild cheddar won't cut it here. You need the bold, tangy punch of sharp cheddar to stand up to the jalapenos and bacon. It adds creaminess and another layer of flavor complexity. I like to shred my own, but preshredded is great in this recipe because the cheese won't need to melt.
• Bacon: Beyond the obvious deliciousness factor, bacon adds a smoky, salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Cook it until crispy for the best texture. If you want a shortcut for the bacon, use store-bought bacon bits.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb is polarizing, but it's absolutely perfect in this recipe. Its bright, citrusy notes complement the lime juice and jalapenos and adds freshness that keeps the salad from feeling heavy.  If you are averse to cilantro, add some fresh parsley.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that holds everything together. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor and texture. I like Duke's.  Hellman's is also a great choice. The mayo gets whisked into a tangy, flavorful dressing with lime juice, pickled jalapeno brine, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
• Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is essential. It adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and brings out the flavors of the cilantro and jalapenos.
• Dijon Mustard: Balance richness with acidity in the dressing.
• Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Sugar, Salt & Pepper): Rounds out the flavor of the chicken salad.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Jalapeno Chicken Salad

1. Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool, then chop into small pieces. While the bacon cooks, shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. Finely dice the fresh and pickled jalapenos, removing seeds and membranes from the fresh jalapeno if you prefer less heat. Chop the celery, bell peppers, and green onions into small, uniform pieces. Shred the sharp cheddar cheese. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro.

2. Step 2:  Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, pickled jalapeno brine, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dressing should be tangy, slightly sweet, and well-seasoned.

Tips for Chicken Salad Success

• Same Size Veggies: Chop all vegetables into a uniform small dice for the best texture
• Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of fresh and pickled jalapenos. For milder chicken salad, use mild pickled jalapenos and remove all ribs and seeds from the fresh jalapenos. For an extra spicy chicken salad, leave the seeds in the fresh jalapenos or use hot pickled jalapenos. If you want to add an extra little spice kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Don't Skip the Brine: The pickled jalapeno brine is a secret weapon in this recipe. It adds tangy, complex flavor without making the dressing too thin. Start with the recommended amount and add more to taste.
• Let It Rest: This salad truly tastes better after it's had time to chill. The flavors develop and marry together, and the vegetables soften slightly but still maintain their crunch.
• Bacon Cooking Method: For the crispiest bacon with the least mess, bake it on a sheet pan in the oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes instead of pan-frying. It cooks evenly, and you can make a large batch at once. Part of the work of breakfast is done for the next day.  Add the bacon to the chicken salad just before serving if you want to maintain its full crunch.
• Shred Don't Chop: When preparing the chicken, shred it with your hands or two forks rather than chopping it with a knife. This creates irregular pieces that hold onto the dressing better and create a more interesting texture.

Substitutions & Variations for Jalapeno Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Use leftover roast chicken instead of a rotisserie chicken. Canned chicken is another good option.
• Cheese Swap: substitute the cheddar with pepper jack or Colby Jack.
• Replace the bacon: Use smoky turkey for a lighter option
• Heat Adjustments: Use poblano peppers for a milder version with great flavor but less heat. Add diced serrano peppers or a minced habanero for serious spice lovers. Include a few dashes of hot sauce in the dressing for an extra kick.
• Vegetable Variations: Add diced avocado just before serving for creaminess. Include sweet corn kernels for sweetness and texture.
• Greek Yogurt Version: Replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version with more protein.
• Herb Swaps: If you're not a cilantro fan, substitute fresh parsley.
• Buffalo Chicken Salad Variation: For another fun twist, make this a Buffalo-style jalapeno chicken salad! Swap the cheddar cheese for blue cheese, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce, and omit the lime juice and Dijon mustard from the dressing. Omit the cilantro and add celery leaves instead.

Chicken Salad Dietary Variations

• Keto/Low-Carb: This recipe is naturally low in carbs. Serve it in lettuce wraps, over mixed greens, with cucumber slices, or on low-carb bread. Use full-fat mayonnaise and cheese, and verify your bacon contains no added sugar.
• Whole30/Paleo: Use compliant mayonnaise (like Primal Kitchen) or make your own. Omit the cheese and sugar. Replace the Dijon mustard with plain yellow mustard if your Dijon isn't compliant. Verify your bacon has no added sugar and your pickled jalapenos contain only compliant ingredients.
• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the cheddar cheese or replace it with dairy-free cheese. The salad will still be delicious and creamy from the mayo-based dressing. You could add extra avocado for creaminess if desired.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just verify your bacon, mayonnaise, and mustard don't contain hidden gluten. Serve on gluten-free bread or crackers, or skip the bread entirely.
• Lighter Version: Use light mayonnaise or replace half the mayo with non-fat Greek yogurt. Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. Reduce the amount of cheese or omit it altogether. Load up on extra vegetables like celery and bell peppers to add volume without calories.

Equipment Needed

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all ingredients and making the dressing.
• Whisk: For mixing the dressing ingredients together. 
• Fork: or shredding the chicken.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping vegetables, jalapenos, and bacon.
• Cutting Board: Essential for all your prep work.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of dressing ingredients.
• Serving Spoon or Rubber Spatula: For mixing the salad and serving.
• Airtight Storage Container: For storing leftovers in the refrigerator.
• Optional equipment that makes the job easier:
• Citrus Juicer: Makes extracting lime juice quicker and easier.
• Box Grater: If you are shredding your cheese.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

• Store leftover Jalapeno Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• The salad actually improves over the first day or two as the flavors continue to develop. Keep in mind that the vegetables will soften slightly over time, and the bacon may lose some of its crispness.

Freezing

• This chicken salad is not suitable for freezing, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and become watery when thawed, and the vegetables will lose their texture completely.

Lunchboxes

• For packed lunches, keep the chicken salad cold with an ice pack, especially if you won't have access to refrigeration. The USDA recommends keeping chicken salad below 40°F and discarding it if it's been at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

FAQs -

Love This Jalapeno Chicken Salad Recipe? Please tag @poppytrailtable on Instagram and Facebook and leave a star rating⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ and review below! Thank you!

Recent Recipes:

Looking for more recipes to enjoy? Try these: