kat's southwest chicken salad
My husband and I love spicy foods, so I made up a chicken salad recipe that really pushes the envelope on Southwest flavors! It's such a great change from the traditional chicken salad sandwich.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
This chicken salad sandwich is incredible! The chicken is tender and smoky. Onion and bell pepper add sweetness and crunch. Cilantro and olives bring a touch of fresh flavor and saltiness, while chipotle peppers and jalapenos add heat and smokiness. Held together with just enough creamy mayonnaise, the chicken salad has a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. Pineapple slices add a tropical feel and balance the spices. Hard rolls are sturdy enough to hold the filling without making the bread soggy. This chicken salad is great for a picnic, potluck, lunch, or dinner. Spicy and satisfying, you'll love this chicken salad.
Ingredients
- CHICKEN SALAD
- 1 large chicken breast, chopped (smoked, bone-in with skin on); remove skin and bone before chopping
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, pulled from stem then chopped
- 1/8 cup canned black olives, chopped
- 2 - pickled jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 1 - canned chipotle pepper in Adobe sauce, chopped (Kat uses 2)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- - salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (more if needed to moisten the above ingredients)
- BREAD
- - cheddar jalapeno bread or hard sandwich rolls for eight sandwiches
- - garlic powder
- - cooking spray
- GARNISH
- - peach slices, pineapple slices, or avocado
How To Make kat's southwest chicken salad
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Step 1Combine all chicken salad ingredients in bowl and mix well. This is a very hot and spicy recipe, but you can reduce the chipotle and jalapeno pepper if you wish. The pickled jalapeno gives the chicken salad a little of the tartness that we expect with dill pickles in a traditional chicken salad. -
Step 2Once mixed, sprinkle garlic powder on the bread or rolls. Spray with cooking spray and then toast under the broiler.
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Step 3Spread the chicken salad mixture on the toasted bread. Choose a garnish. Try pineapple or peach slices (even better if it's grilled.) The sweetness of the fruit will complement and tame the heat from the peppers. Avocado is also a tasty garnish.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
