Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad
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Dive into a unique twist on a classic with this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad recipe. Perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and spicy, this salad is ideal for lunch, picnics, or light dinners. Serve it on your choice of bread or greens for a versatile and delicious option any day of the week.
If you’re in the mood for something that straddles the line between familiar comfort and exciting new flavors, this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad is just the ticket. This dish takes the classic chicken salad you know and love, and infuses it with a sweet and spicy kick that’s next level. It’s simple enough for a weekday lunch yet sophisticated enough to serve at your next gathering.
I’ve made this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad several times since I initially created the recipe. Whenever lunchtime rolls around, I find myself craving this salad. The recipe below uses delicious mayonnaise but to cut back on calories, I switched to half light mayo and half low-fat Greek yogurt. It’s wonderful!
I love the versatility of chicken salad: it can be a delicious lunch; it can be made fancier to serve at a party or baby/bridal shower; you can have it as a snack on crackers for a little mid-day protein boost, etc. Chicken salad is always the answer!
I know you’re going to love this one, my friend! Let’s get to it.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Recipe
- It’s such a uniquely delicious flavor combo! The sweet touch of honey balanced with the gentle heat from jalapeños creates a chicken salad unlike any you’ve tried before. It’s familiar yet excitingly different, perfect for when you want to spice up your meal routine without straying too far from comfort.
- Also, this recipe is so flexible. Prefer a milder taste? Reduce the jalapeños. Love a bit more sweetness in your bites? Add a bit more honey. It’s all about making this salad your own.
- Whether you lean towards a pita, a croissant, or a crisp bed of lettuce, this chicken salad fits beautifully with your preferred base. It’s a fantastic way to cater to different dietary needs without compromising taste.
- With just a few steps involving mixing and combining ingredients, this recipe is as straightforward as it gets. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making your meal prep both smart and delightful.
Looking for more delicious salads to enjoy? I’m here to help! This collection of my best salad recipes is for you! Enjoy! There’s something for everyone.
Ingredients
As I mentioned, the combination of ingredients in this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad is what makes it so uniquely delicious. Feel free to customize to your tastes, but here’s what I recommend:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, chicken breasts provide a lean, protein-rich base for our salad. I recommend boneless and skinless.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creamy texture and richness, tying all the flavors together beautifully. You’re welcome to use Miracle Whip, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or any other creamy base for your chicken salad.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens up the salad with a hint of citrus, adding a fresh zing to the dressing.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that complements the spicy jalapeños perfectly. Add more if you like things sweeter.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, making all the ingredients pop.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth, rounding out the dressing with its earthy tones.
- Jalapeños: The key ingredient for that spicy kick, jalapeños can be adjusted to make the salad as mild or as fiery as you like. For my recipe, I just used the green part of the jalapeño. If you want a spicy chicken salad, include some of the white pith and/or some of the seeds.
And with that, I think we’re ready to make my new favorite chicken salad recipe.
How To Make
I hope you’re feeling hungry and excited to make this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad. Don’t worry. It’s so easy! I’ll walk you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either bake, grill, or boil them. Once cooked, allow them to cool. After cooling, cut the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Add the diced celery and jalapeño. Stir these into the dressing until they are evenly distributed.
- Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the dressing and other ingredients. Fold the chicken gently into the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least one hour.
- Once chilled, give the chicken salad a gentle stir to refresh the ingredients. Serve the chicken salad inside pita bread or on flaky croissants for a delightful sandwich. Alternatively, the chicken salad can be served over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
- Store any leftover Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two to three days for optimal freshness.
And that’s it. This healthy and flavorful meal, whenever and however you serve it, is ready to be enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this salad healthier, consider using Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for the dressing. You can also add more greens like spinach or arugula when serving.
Is this salad spicy?
The spice level of this salad is fully adjustable. Use less jalapeño or remove the seeds for a milder taste, or add more if you prefer it spicier.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes better when made ahead of time as it allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and consume it within two to three days.
What are some variations I can try with this recipe?
Feel free to add in ingredients like diced celery for crunch, raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness, or chopped nuts. These can introduce new flavors and textures to your chicken salad.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad can last in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
More Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Chicken Salad
- Chicken Apple Pecan Salad
- Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
- Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad
I know that this Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. It certainly has in mine. I’ve made it multiple times and just can’t get enough! I hope you’ll give it a try. If you do, please leave a comment and a 5-star rating below.
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Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts fully cooked and cubed
- 1½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 cup celery finely diced
- 3 jalapeños finely diced*
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either bake, grill, or boil them. Once cooked, allow them to cool. After cooling, cut the chicken into small, bite-sized cubes. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Use a whisk or a fork to mix these ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Add the diced celery and jalapeño. Stir these into the dressing until they are evenly distributed.
- Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the dressing and other ingredients. Fold the chicken gently into the mixture.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least one hour.
- Once chilled, give the chicken salad a gentle stir to refresh the ingredients. Serve the chicken salad inside pita bread or on flaky croissants for a delightful sandwich. Alternatively, the chicken salad can be served over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
- Store any leftover Jalapeño Honey Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two to three days for optimal freshness.