Jalapeño Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Creamy and flavorful, this jalapeño chicken salad is the perfect side dish or savory dip for backyard gatherings, summer potlucks, and grilling parties! With just 10 minutes of prep time, this Chicken Salad Chick copycat is gluten-free and dairy-free too.

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Easy Chicken Salad – Perfect for Summer!

Now that it’s summer and the temperatures are rising, salads are perfect for the warmer days.

If you love chicken salad (who doesn’t??) – today’s recipe for copycat jalapeño holly chicken salad is definitely going to be up your alley!

Think shredded chicken in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, mixed with chopped pickled jalapeños for a nice kick of heat, and crunchy celery bits.

The addition of pickled jalapeños adds a little more spice and tang to the familiar creaminess of classic chicken salad, so this comfort food gets a fun twist!

It definitely makes a flavorful side dish or tasty dip for your summer get-together! Or, use it as the filling for sandwiches or croissants. YUM!

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients required for this copycat Chicken Salad Chick salad are easily accessible at the local grocery stores (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: This easy chicken salad with jalapeño only requires 10 minutes of preparation time, and then let it chill in the refrigerator!
• Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this salad is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy it without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this jalapeño chicken salad recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast will work.
• Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt.
• Sour Cream: I used dairy-free sour cream to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular sour cream instead.
• Condiments: For flavor, I’ve added black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. However, feel free to add other seasonings if you prefer.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Since this is a recipe for chicken salad with jalapeños, jalapeños are a key ingredient, so make sure to add them in. I’m using pickled jalapeños for a tangy vinegar flavor. Alternatively, you may also use freshly sliced jalapeños for more spice and crunch. Feel free to add more jalapeños if you like a bigger kick of heat. You can either make your own pickled jalapeños or use store-bought jalapeños.
• Celery: The crunch of celery contrasts well with the creaminess of the chicken-mayonnaise mixture, so definitely make sure to add it in!

How to Make Jalapeño Chicken Salad (Chicken Salad Chick Copycat):

Prepare Salad Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

Mix Chicken, Jalapeños and Celery: Add the shredded chicken, chopped jalapeños, and chopped celery to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Dish by Dish Tips:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: I recommend using rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked which makes it a convenient option. Alternatively, you may cook and shred chicken breast before making this salad.
• Turn Up the Heat: Feel free to increase the amount of pickled jalapeños if you enjoy and can take more heat.
• Optional Mix-Ins: Feel free to add in diced veggies such as red onion or red bell pepper to add an extra pop of color to the salad! Or sprinkle the salad with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch!
• Make Lettuce Cups: Alternatively serve this chicken salad with fresh lettuce for healthy lunches!
• Storing: Place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and store for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Serve This With:

• Gluten-Free Crackers
• Almond Flour Crackers
• Gluten-Free Ritz Crackers
• Crunchy Homemade Tortilla Chips
• Gluten-Free Garlic Naan Bread
• Jalapeño Cornbread

Other Gluten-Free Salad Recipes You’ll Love:

• Easy Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Potato Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Macaroni Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad (Gluten-Free)
• Easy Coleslaw (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes to Make:

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Jalapeño Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

• Author: Felicia Lim
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy and flavorful, this jalapeño chicken salad is the perfect side dish or savory dip for backyard gatherings, summer potlucks, and grilling parties! With just 10 minutes of prep time, this Chicken Salad Chick copycat is gluten-free and dairy-free too.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (16 ounces)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dairy-free sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
• 1/2 cup chopped celery

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Prepare Salad Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
2. Mix Chicken, Jalapeños and Celery: Add the shredded chicken, chopped jalapeños, and chopped celery to the bowl. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the salad to chill.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve cold with croissants, fresh veggies, or crackers. Enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken because it is convenient and flavorful, but any cooked and shredded chicken breast will work.

Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt.

Sour Cream: I used dairy-free sour cream to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use regular sour cream instead.

Condiments: For flavor, I’ve added black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. However, feel free to add other seasonings if you prefer.

Pickled Jalapeños: Since this is a recipe for chicken salad with jalapeños, pickled jalapeños are a key ingredient, so make sure to add them in. Feel free to add more jalapeños if you like a bigger kick of heat. You can either make your own pickled jalapeños or use store-bought jalapeños.

Celery: The crunch of celery contrasts well with the creaminess of the chicken-mayonnaise mixture, so definitely make sure to add it in!

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Chilling Time: 30 mins
• Category: Salads
• Cuisine: American