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Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe

4.9 from 100 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 34 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
  • 23 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce (or your 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, toasted slivered almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chipotle pepper sauce. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
  2. 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.
  3. 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