Tired of the same old boring chicken salad? It’s time to banish bland lunches forever! This JalapeƱo Bacon Chicken Salad is an absolute flavor explosion, and it’s here to revolutionize your meal prep. We’re talking juicy, tender chicken, crispy, salty bacon, a fiery kick from charred jalapeƱos, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. The best part? The flavors get even better as they meld in the fridge, making it the perfect make-ahead meal. Serve it on a fluffy bun, in a crisp lettuce wrap, or just eat it with a forkāthere’s no wrong way to enjoy this masterpiece.
Ingredients
ā¢ 2Ā½ pounds / 1.1 kg boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
ā¢ 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
ā¢ Ā¼ cup / 40g chopped red onions
ā¢ 2 tablespoons / 8g sliced fresh chives
ā¢ 2 jalapeƱo peppers, charred and sliced
ā¢ Ā½ cup / 115g mayonnaise, store-bought or homemade
ā¢ 1 tablespoon / 15g Dijon mustard
ā¢ 1 teaspoon / 5ml apple cider vinegar
ā¢ 1 teaspoon / 5ml hot sauce, or more to taste
ā¢ 1 teaspoon / 3g garlic powder
ā¢ Ā¼ teaspoon / 1.5g sea salt, or more to taste
ā¢ Ā¼ teaspoon / 0.5g ground black pepper
ā¢ For Serving (Optional): Everything Buns or leaves from 1 head romaine lettuce
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, bacon, red onions, chives, charred jalapeƱos, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking, adding more hot sauce for heat or salt for flavor.
4. Serve immediately on your favorite buns, in crisp lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as is.
5. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutritional Information
ā¢ Note: The following is an estimate per serving.
ā¢ MAKES: 8 servings
ā¢ PREP TIME: 15 minutes
ā¢ CALORIES: 435
ā¢ FAT: 21.8g
ā¢ PROTEIN: 55.2g
ā¢ TOTAL CARBS: 1g
ā¢ FIBER: 0.3g
ā¢ NET CARBS: 0.7g
Pro Tips
ā¢ Pro-Tips for Success
ā¢ For incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken, pan-sear the breasts in avocado oil until they have a crispy, golden-brown crust before chopping.
ā¢ To easily char jalapeƱos, hold them with tongs directly over a gas flame until blistered, or broil them on a baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, turning once.
ā¢ If you enjoy dairy, fold in a generous amount of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of tangy flavor.
FAQ
Q: Is this JalapeƱo Bacon Chicken Salad keto-friendly
A: Yes, with only 0.7g of net carbs per serving, this chicken salad is very keto-friendly. Serve it in lettuce wraps or on its own to maintain a low-carb meal.
Q: How long can I store this chicken salad
A: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
Q: How do I char jalapeƱos for this recipe
A: To easily char jalapeƱos, you can hold them with tongs directly over a gas stove flame until blistered. Alternatively, you can broil them on a baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, turning them once.
Q: Can I add cheese to this chicken salad
A: Absolutely. For an extra layer of tangy flavor, the recipe suggests folding in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, which pairs wonderfully with the bacon and jalapeƱo.
