Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad: A Flavor-Packed Twist on a Classic Favorite
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a good chicken salad—creamy, hearty, and versatile enough to serve in so many ways. But what if we could elevate this simple dish with a smoky, spicy kick? That’s exactly what you get with this Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful dressing that’s enhanced with a spicy chipotle pepper, giving the salad a bold twist that’s both creamy and bursting with heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch, Meal Prep, Salad
- Method: No-Cook, Easy
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded chicken (homemade or store-bought): Shredded chicken is the heart of this salad, providing a tender, hearty base. You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly cook up some chicken breasts or thighs.
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced): Red onion adds a slight sweetness and crunch that complements the creamy dressing and spicy chipotle.
- 1–2 celery stalks (diced): Celery brings a fresh, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base of the salad.
- 2 Tbsp cilantro (chopped, leaves & stems are fine): The cilantro offers a fresh, bright flavor that lightens the richness of the mayo and Greek yogurt dressing.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: The mayo is the primary base for the creamy dressing, adding richness and smoothness to the salad.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt enhances the creaminess of the dressing while adding a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness.
- 2 Tbsp lime juice: Lime juice adds a zesty, citrusy freshness that brings balance to the dressing and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 chipotle pepper (in adobo sauce, chopped): The chipotle pepper is the star of the show. It brings a smoky, spicy depth to the salad, giving it a punch of heat and a unique flavor.
- 2 Tbsp adobo sauce: The adobo sauce that the chipotle pepper comes in is packed with smoky, savory flavor and adds an extra layer of depth to the dressing.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Garlic brings an aromatic, savory base that enhances the overall flavor.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Smoked paprika contributes to the smoky notes of the dressing and pairs perfectly with the chipotle pepper.
- ½ tsp salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients and balancing the heat.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild spiciness and a slight depth of flavor to round out the seasoning.
Instructions
- Prep the Salad Ingredients: Start by gathering your shredded chicken, finely diced red onion, chopped celery, and cilantro. Place these ingredients in a large bowl. If you’re using store-bought shredded chicken, this step is a breeze. If you’re cooking your own chicken, make sure it’s cooked through and then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Once everything is prepped and ready, set the bowl aside.
- Make the Chipotle Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, creamy dressing. The chipotle pepper and adobo sauce will add both smokiness and heat, while the lime juice provides a burst of citrus to balance the richness of the mayo and yogurt. The garlic and smoked paprika add depth, making this dressing a flavorful complement to the chicken and veggies.
- Toss the Salad: Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the chicken, celery, red onion, and cilantro in the large bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well-coated with the creamy dressing. The shredded chicken should be thoroughly mixed with the flavorful dressing, and the veggies should be evenly distributed throughout.
- Serve and Enjoy: The salad is ready to be served! You can enjoy it immediately, or store it in the fridge for later use. If you’re serving it as a wrap, take a large flour tortilla and spoon the chipotle chicken salad into the center, then fold the sides and roll it up tightly. For a sandwich, spread the salad between slices of your favorite bread or a toasted bun. Alternatively, serve the salad as a dip with some crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying snack or light meal.
Notes
- Chicken Variations: While shredded chicken is the base of this salad, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. If you prefer a leaner option, try using shredded turkey instead of chicken. For a plant-based alternative, shredded tofu or chickpeas could work well in place of the chicken.
- Yogurt Substitution: If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt or need a dairy-free option, you can substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative. Just make sure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
- Spice Level Adjustments: The amount of chipotle pepper can be adjusted to suit your heat tolerance. If you prefer a milder version, use just one chipotle pepper or omit it entirely. For extra heat, add more chipotle peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Additional Veggies: For added crunch and freshness, try incorporating additional veggies like diced bell peppers, cucumber, or shredded carrots. These can add color and texture to the salad.
- Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley, basil, or even green onions for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to how you serve it. You can wrap it in a tortilla for a quick and easy lunch, serve it on a bed of greens for a lighter, low-carb option, or use it as a topping for a salad or baked potatoes. It’s also great served with avocado slices, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.