Jalapeno Popper Keto Chicken Salad (Printable)

Creamy keto chicken salad with smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapenos in a tangy cream cheese dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken & Bacon

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
04 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
05 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

→ Dressing

06 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1/4 cup sour cream
09 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
11 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro (if using).
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheddar cheese, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and mix thoroughly until everything is well coated.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
05 - Serve chilled, garnished with extra bacon, jalapeno slices, or cilantro if desired. Excellent served in lettuce cups, as a filling for avocado halves, or with keto-friendly crackers.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like party food but works perfectly for meal prep lunches
  • The cream cheese dressing makes everything feel indulgent while staying keto
  • You get all the jalapeno popper flavors without turning on the oven
02 -
  • The salad tastes even better after sitting for an hour—flavors meld and the dressing thickens slightly
  • If making ahead, hold back on the bacon until serving so it stays crispy
  • This keeps beautifully for three to four days in the refrigerator
03 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese blends so much smoother than cold—plan ahead
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts into the dressing better than pre-shredded
  • A microplane makes perfect fine shreds of onion that disappear into the salad

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