Looking for a flavorful and spicy lunch idea? This Jalapeno Chicken Salad recipe is a copycat version of Chicken Salad Chick's Jalapeno Holly-and it's packed with flavor, heat, and creamy goodness!
Have you ever been to Chicken Salad Chick? Years ago, when I lived in Texas, one opened up near my house and given the fact I LOVE chicken salad sandwiches, I immediately fell in love and became a regular customer. After trying several versions of their chicken salad, I fell in love with the Jalapeno Holly on a croissant. It had the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory with its mix of pickled jalapenos, shredded chicken, and seasonings. Naturally, I started craving it nonstop, so I set out to make my own at home. After a few trial runs, this copycat version was born-and my whole family loves it!
How to serve Jalapeno Chicken Salad
Once you have your chicken salad with jalapeno made, you may be wondering what to do with it! Luckily, you have so many options to choose from, so change it up however you see fit. I love serving my spicy chicken salad on a buttery croissant, however, classic sandwich bread (maybe sourdough?) or a pita is a great option too. My mom loves enjoying hers on a bed of butter lettuce for a classic salad vibe. This chicken salad with jalapenos can also be enjoyed with crackers, in a lettuce wrap, or in a tortilla. However you choose to enjoy it, I assure you, it will be delicious!
Ingredient Notes
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed to make Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Jalapeño Holly Chicken Salad. To see printable recipe card with full directions, scroll to the bottom or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.
- Chicken– you’ll need about two cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver or using any leftover chicken from a previous meal. TIP: I love keeping cooked, shredded chicken on hand in my freezer. Place 1-2 lbs of chicken breasts in your slow cooker or Instant Pot (4 hours on high in slow cooker or 10-15 minutes if IP). Add about 1 cup chicken broth or water. Once cooked, shred and allow to cool. This is perfect to freeze and use in any meal going forward.
- Mayonnaise– use your favorite brand, are you team Hellman’s or Duke’s? My husband loves Duke’s because of how rich and tangy it is. I grew up loving Hellman’s mayo and still prefer it to this day.
- Sour Cream– this adds to the creaminess of the recipe. You can also use plain Greek yogurt if desired.
- Spices– you’ll need salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Feel free to add in finely chopped red onion, white onion, or green onions for more flavor.
- Pickled Jalapenos– store bought pickled jalapenos are the easiest and come in mild or hot. Pick your favorite! If you don’t want any heat and still want to try this recipe, you can use my candied jalapenos in place of the pickled ones.
- Celery– this gives the salad a nice crunchy texture.
Recipe Tips
After making this spicy chicken salad for several years now, we have found several tips that have made this an incredible copycat recipe.
- Prep the salad ahead of time. I have found that letting it chill in a bowl in the fridge for a few hours really helps the flavors to fuse together perfectly. Plus, it saves on prep time if having people over and wanting to serve other sides with it.
- Adding in some cooked, crumbled bacon bits and shredded cheese gives this more of a Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad taste. So delicious and one of the only ways my daughter enjoys hers.
- Although canned chicken is a great option in this recipe, just know it will change the texture and may make it a bit mushier. Use Rotisserie chicken over canned chicken if possible.
- Have fun with the add in’s. You can add in shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, bacon, cilantro, cucumber, pickles, chopped nuts, cranberries, halved grapes, a splash of lime juice, etc. Choose your favorites and enjoy!
Storing Spicy Chicken Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Due to the mayonnaise, I do not recommend freezing. This is a great meal option if trying to meal prep for the week as you can prepare the mixture on a Sunday and have lunches for most of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Jalapeno Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it to save time! Make it the morning needed or even the day before and store in your fridge until needed.
How spicy is this Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad?
This depends on what type of jalapenos you use and how many you add. If you stick to the recipe as written, it’s pretty mild. I would say about a 5/10 on a heat scale.
What can I use in place of pickled jalapenos?
If you don’t want to use pickled jalapenos, you can use my Candied Jalapenos, Serrano peppers, banana peppers, or green chilies.
Is chicken salad made with mayo or miracle whip?
Either one works, it’s based on preference. Mayonnaise is a bit more rich and creamy, while Miracle Whip is tangier and sweeter.
More Salad Recipes to try
Ultimate Potato Salad Recipe– a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing! Perfect for any BBQ, potluck, picnic, or summer outing!
BEST Egg Salad– this recipe combines creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, and perfectly hard boiled eggs for a tasty and satisfying meal or snack. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on a salad.
Taco Pasta Salad– a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad combining the flavors of tacos and pasta for a delicious and easy meal. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner!
Creamy Grape Salad– the perfect side dish for any occasion! Made with fresh grapes, cream cheese, and a crunchy topping, this creamy fruit salad is refreshing, easy to make, and a crowd favorite!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad– packed with flavorful diced chicken, crispy bacon, tender pasta, French Fried Onions, and creamy Ranch dressing. Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, summer gatherings, and picnics!
Strawberry Pretzel Salad– an old-fashioned treat everyone will enjoy! A perfect blend of salty and sweet. Featuring a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a light cream cheese layer, and mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping filled with more strawberries!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Jalapeno Chicken Salad Recipe (Chicken Salad Chick copycat)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup pickled jalapenos chopped, add more jalapenos to make it spicier
- ½ cup celery chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until combined.
- Add in the shredded chicken, jalapenos, and celery. Mix until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate in fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Serve cold with croissants, bread, crackers, veggies, etc.
Angela says
This jalapeno chicken salad was easy to make and turned out so amazing!! I can’t wait to prepare it again…YUM!!!
Kristin says
Yay!! Love hearing this!!
amy liu dong says
The creamy texture and spicy bite of this recipe are perfectly balanced. Amazing!
Kristin says
Glad you enjoyed!!
Paula says
Loved the addition of Jalapenos to this recipe! It added just the right amount of spice to the classic dish.
Kristin says
Soooo yummy! Glad you enjoyed too!
Maria says
This has so much going for it! I love all the interplay of flavors and textures. It’s everything original chicken salad has always wished it could be!
Kristin says
Makes for the tastiest anytime meal! Glad you enjoyed!
Beth says
I love this spicy take on a classic. The jalapeno really makes it pop!
Kristin says
Such a tasty variation!!