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Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe

4.9 from 105 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 34 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
  • 23 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or preferred hot sauce, adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, sliced celery, diced scallions, and toasted slivered almonds.
  2. Mix Dressing: Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, and TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce to the bowl. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Season: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper if desired, noting that additional salt can be skipped to reduce sodium intake.
  4. Chill or Serve: Serve the chicken salad immediately or cover and chill it in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
  5. 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