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Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad Recipe

4.9 from 126 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Crunchy Spicy Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken with crisp vegetables, toasted almonds, and a zesty chipotle-mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and a spicy kick that can be tailored to your heat preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • 1/2 bell pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (red, orange, or yellow)
  • 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, diced
  • 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Dressing

  • 34 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from 1/2 lemon)
  • 23 teaspoons TABASCO Chipotle Pepper Sauce, or preferred hot sauce, 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, and toasted slivered almonds. This step ensures all flavor and textures are evenly mixed.
  2. Make Dressing and Mix: Add the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chipotle pepper sauce to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the creamy, spicy dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  3. Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh and crunchy texture, or chill it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This salad pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, crackers or can be served in a sandwich or wrap.

Notes

  • Use any cooked chicken—rotisserie, grilled, or leftover—chopped into bite-size pieces.
  • To toast almonds, place in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spiciness level.
  • For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative.
  • Serve as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or enjoy as a standalone salad with chips or crackers.

Keywords: spicy chicken salad, crunchy chicken salad, chipotle chicken salad, quick chicken salad, easy chicken salad