Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad (Printable)

Creamy, spicy chicken salad with bacon, jalapenos, and cream cheese ready in 30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
05 - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

→ Dairy

06 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Seasonings

09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
11 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Beat together until completely smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
02 - Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the creamy base. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout.
03 - Add the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped jalapenos, celery, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese to the seasoned mixture.
04 - Using a spatula, gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
05 - Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Serve chilled over lettuce, in low-carb wraps, or with fresh vegetable sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get all the creamy, spicy satisfaction of jalapeno poppers without the hassle of stuffing and wrapping anything
  • It keeps beautifully in the fridge for days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches all week
02 -
  • The salad tastes even better after resting in the fridge for an hour or two, giving the flavors time to really meld together
  • If you're sensitive to spice, wear gloves when chopping the jalapenos and definitely don't touch your face afterward
03 -
  • Pat your cooked chicken dry with paper towels before adding it to prevent the salad from becoming watery
  • Crisp your bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes for the most evenly crispy, perfect crumbles every time