Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a smoky chipotle kick, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- ½ bell pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (red, orange, or yellow)
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, diced
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
- 2-3 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or your 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, and toasted slivered almonds.
- Step 2: Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chipotle pepper sauce. Mix everything well until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Season with salt and pepper if desired, then serve immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to enjoy.
- Step 4: Serve the salad with tortilla chips, crackers, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Tips & Variations
- Start with a small amount of hot sauce and adjust according to your preferred spice level.
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken or canned chicken to save time.
- Swap slivered almonds for toasted pecans or walnuts for a different crunch.
- Try adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for extra freshness.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add almonds just before serving if storing for later. Reheat is not recommended; enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different hot sauce?
Yes, you can substitute TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce with your favorite hot sauce. Just add it gradually as spice levels vary between brands.
What type of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken works well in this recipe. Rotisserie chicken or canned chicken are convenient options that keep the preparation quick and easy.
PrintCrunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe
This Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish combining tender cooked chicken with crisp veggies, toasted almonds, and a spicy chipotle mayo dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a tasty sandwich filling, it offers a delightful mix of textures and bold, smoky heat with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- ½ bell pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (use red, orange, or yellow)
- 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 2 scallions, diced
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 3–4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
- 2–3 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or your 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, toasted slivered almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chipotle pepper sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper if desired, though you can skip the extra salt to reduce sodium intake. Stir again gently to incorporate the seasoning.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately as a side or in a sandwich or wrap with tortilla chips or crackers for added crunch. Alternatively, cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve for enhanced flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the Tabasco Chipotle Sauce with any hot sauce of your choice; start by adding a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Any shredded or chopped cooked chicken works well for this salad—rotisserie chicken or canned chicken are convenient options. Use about 2 cups.
Keywords: chicken salad, spicy chicken salad, crunchy chicken salad, quick chicken recipes, chipotle chicken salad
