Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to add more flavor to your standard chicken salad recipe, this Chipotle Chicken Salad recipe is your answer. With its bold and smoky chipotle flavor combined with the creamy texture of the sauce, this combination brings a slightly spicy kick to an otherwise simple dish.

Whether you’re prepping for a casual lunch, a light dinner, or even as a flavorful addition to your appetizer charcuterie board, this salad will not disappoint. It’s perfect to serve in the fall months, right before the holiday season, when you want something satisfying, yet not overly heavy.

Best of all, it is easy to make. And it all starts with a few basic ingredients. Most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

What Kind of Chicken Should You Use?

When it comes to chicken salad, the type of chicken you use can make all the difference. This recipe calls for cooked chicken, and you’ve got a few options that will work beautifully:

• Rotisserie Chicken: This is one of the easiest and most convenient options. The chicken is already cooked and seasoned, saving you time in the kitchen. The tender, juicy meat shreds perfectly, making it ideal for chicken salad.
• Poached or Boiled Chicken: If you want a more neutral flavor that lets the chipotle sauce shine, cooking your own chicken breasts by poaching or boiling them is a great choice. This method keeps the chicken moist and allows you to control the seasoning.
• Grilled Chicken: Grilling your chicken can add a nice, smoky flavor that pairs well with the chipotle peppers. Just make sure the chicken isn’t overly done and dry as the creamy chipotle sauce won’t be able to mask the tough texture.
• Leftover Chicken: Got leftover baked or roasted chicken from last night’s dinner? This is a fantastic way to use it up.

No matter which type of chicken you use, make sure to shred it with two forks or dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. Long strands of chicken can make the salad difficult to eat, so chopping it up after shredding gives you a better texture.

The Chipotle Sauce

So, what makes this chipotle chicken salad different from your typical chicken salad? It all comes down to the homemade chipotle sauce. Traditional chicken salad is often made with a mayonnaise-based dressing, which can be delicious but sometimes lacks flavor.

This version brings things up a notch with a combination of chipotle peppers, Greek yogurt, and fresh basil, giving it a zesty, smoky flavor with a hint of heat and earthy flavors.

However, the real star flavor of the recipe comes from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These smoked jalapeños, packed in a rich adobo sauce, add the primary flavor.

They provide a smoky heat that’s not overwhelming but definitely noticeable. If you like things spicy, you can add up to three peppers. If you prefer a milder heat, stick with just one. Either way, the chipotle sauce brings a bold, twist that you don’t get with standard chicken salad.

Another difference is the use of Greek yogurt in the sauce. Adding just a tablespoon of it alongside the mayo gives the dressing a slightly tangy taste and lightens up the texture without sacrificing the creaminess. Plus, it’s a nice way to sneak in some extra protein!

Finally, fresh basil and lemon juice makes this salad have a fresh and lighter taste. The basil adds a hint of earthiness, while the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the mayo and yogurt, balancing the dish perfectly.

How to Serve Chipotle Chicken Salad

One of the best things about chicken salad is that you can serve it in a variety of ways. Below I have listed a few of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

• Classic Sandwich: The easiest way to enjoy this salad is by piling it high between a bun or two slices of bread.
• Lettuce Wraps: If you’re looking for a lighter option, scoop the chicken salad into large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb meal. Romaine or butter lettuce works best for this.
• Tortilla Wrap: Roll the chicken salad up in a flour tortilla or a whole wheat wrap. You can also add in some lettuce, cheese or avocado slices to bulk it up.
• On Crackers: Serve this as an appetizer or snack by spooning it onto crackers or baguette slices. It’s a great way to make a quick and impressive appetizer for gatherings.
• Stuffed Avocados: Hollow out an avocado and fill it with the chipotle chicken salad for a light yet satisfying meal. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the smoky heat of the chipotle sauce.
• Over a Salad: For a healthier take, spoon the chipotle chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Add in a few extra veggies, and you’ve got a delicious salad with plenty of protein.

Storage Recommendations

If you’re not eating the salad right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld together, and it’ll taste even better after sitting for a couple of hours.

The chicken salad will remain good when stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after the chicken was cooked.

Chipotle Chicken Salad Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ¼ cups cooked chicken
• 1 tbsp green onion
• 2 ½ tbsp celery, finely chopped

Chipotle sauce:

• ¼ cup mayo
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce*
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove
• 1 large fresh basil leaf (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves)
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

*With your leftover chipotle peppers in adobo sauce be sure to make my Southwest Ranch Pasta Salad recipe or my Pumpkin Chili recipe.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks. If you have long strands, cut the meat into bite size pieces. Place the meat in a medium size bowl.
2. Dice the celery and green onion and add it to the bowl with the chicken. Set aside.
3. Make the chipotle sauce by placing the mayonnaise, plain greek yogurt, chipotle peppers, garlic clove, basil, lemon juice, sea salt and black pepper in a high speed blender or a food processor and pulse until the mixture is smooth.
4. Pour the chipotle sauce in the bowl and mix until well incorporated.
5. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

There you have it! Chipotle Chicken Salad that is quick and easy to make.

Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch or bringing it to a gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your house. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken and keep your meals exciting and simple!

However, if you prefer standard chicken salad, be sure to try my Easy Homemade Chicken Salad recipe.

Enjoy! Mary

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