Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of tender chicken and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty, smoky dressing. It’s quick to make and versatile, ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying with your favorite chips. The chipotle pepper sauce adds a delightful kick that’s sure to please spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (red, orange, or yellow)
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, diced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 2-3 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or preferred hot sauce, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, sliced celery, scallions, toasted almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chipotle pepper sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 2: Season the salad with salt and pepper if desired. You can serve it immediately or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy with tortilla chips, crackers, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add diced cucumber or shredded carrots.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Use smoked paprika if you don’t have chipotle pepper sauce to maintain a smoky flavor.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this salad for convenience.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing. It’s best enjoyed chilled, and avoid freezing as the texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and let it cool before chopping and mixing with the other ingredients.
Is there a non-spicy version of this salad?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chipotle pepper sauce or replace it with a mild dressing to suit your taste.
PrintCrunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe
A zesty and crunchy spicy chicken salad featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with colorful bell peppers, celery, scallions, toasted almonds, and a creamy, tangy, and smoky chipotle mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a light meal or snack served with chips, crackers, or in a sandwich or wrap.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (red, orange, or yellow)
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, diced
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
Dressing
- 3–4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
- 2–3 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or preferred hot sauce, adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, sliced celery, diced scallions, and toasted slivered almonds.
- Mix Dressing: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
- Season: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if desired, noting that additional salt can be skipped to reduce sodium intake.
- Chill or Serve: Serve the chicken salad immediately or cover and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with tortilla chips, crackers, or use as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- To toast almonds, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned.
- The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to control spiciness.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: spicy chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, crunchy chicken salad, chipotle chicken salad, quick chicken salad, no-cook chicken salad
