I keep going back to this Chipotle Chicken Salad recipe because it's easy to make, boldly flavored, and makes eating chicken salad a little more exciting thanks to smoky chipotle en adobo, zesty and fresh lemon (or lime) juice, and spicy jalapeno.
This Chipotle Chicken Salad recipe is dedicated to those of you who have been searching for a recipe that isn't basic and bland - you want one with bold flavor that also happens to be easy to make. Because whatever you choose to eat your chicken salad with - crackers, bread, lettuce - the salad has to bring it when it comes to flavor.
I usual pick up a pre-cooked take-home Rotisserie chicken when making this recipe because it's easy. And because the effort belongs on jazzing up the mayo that ties this Rotisserie chicken salad recipe together. This recipe is also fantastic with homemade Chipotle and Roasted Garlic Mayo; what I include here is a shortcut version but if you have the time, roasted garlic is an amazing addition.
This recipe was inspired by my recipe for Chipotle Tuna Salad Sandwiches, and also happens to pair well with tortilla chips and homemade Cucumber Pico de Gallo.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's tasty yet light. The rich chipotle mayo adds indulgence here, while the chicken and fresh veggies keep it feeling light and satisfying.
- Bold flavors. Chipotle en adobo peppers are the secret not-so-secret ingredient, infusing this salad with smoky heat and bold flavors in every bite.
- It's easy to make. With a store-bought rotisserie chicken, this recipe is a breeze. Just shred, mix, and serve! Perfect for a quick meal, like these Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas, another great use for rotisserie chicken. This Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla also enlists the use of rotisserie chicken.
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Ingredients
- Shredded rotisserie chicken - You will need around 4 (heaping) or so cups of shredded chicken. Since to-go rotisserie chickens vary in size you may need more than one for this recipe.
- Fresh, finely diced red onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno to add freshness and a Tex-Mex flair.
- Black olives - Because they are rich and buttery, and add a little southwest flair.
- Lemon or lime juice - Fresh is best, adds acidity and brightness.
- Mayo (I used Kraft's Olive Oil Mayo) - To lend that creaminess that ties chicken salad together.
- Chipotle in adobo peppers, the sauce - A little goes a long way to adding smoke and heat.
- Garlic powder - Gives you hints of garlic flavor throughout without the unpredictability of a garlic clove.
- Salt and pepper, to taste - Add it or not, to suit your tastes.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below - keep scrolling!
Substitutions & Variations
The Mayo - This easy chipotle mayo is life-changing. It changed this self-professed mayo hater into someone who tolerates mayo (at least when it's enhanced with bold flavors).
The Chicken - You don't have to use rotisserie chicken here of course; feel free to use whatever leftovers you might have on hand. For best results, keep it neutrally flavored.
The Vegetables - Not a fan of onion? Leave it out! Think this would be killer with jicama? Add it in! Maybe black olives are a no-go, so you want to tag in green olives instead. Go nuts!
The Extras - Speaking of nuts, some pepitas, sunflower seeds, or crushed walnuts would add a nice crunch here. You might also consider sneaking in some fresh herbs - like parsley, cilantro, or thyme. If you anticipate leftovers, just add the fresh herbs to what you plan on eating.
Serving Suggestions
- Definitely make a chicken salad lettuce wrap, especially if you're trying to keep it low-carb.
- Or a tortilla wrap.
- Make a sandwich, pretty obvious but worth mentioning.
- Snack on it with crackers or chips.
How to Make Chipotle Chicken Salad - Directions
Add mayo, sauce from chipotle en adobo peppers, and lemon juice to a large bowl and stir until combined. Taste. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Step 1: Add all ingredients to a bowl.
- Step 2: Stir until combined. Taste. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Step 3. Consider your chipotle chicken salad game upped.
Hint: Sometimes I like to sneak in a nut like pepitas or sunflower seeds to add some crunch! For maximum crunch, stir in right before serving.
Top Tips for the BEST Chipotle Chicken Salad
Tip 1: Save Time with Rotisserie Chicken
A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for quick meals. Grabbing one from the store now and then helps cut down on prep time, so you can whip up this recipe in no time. After all, that's why you're making this recipe right? You need a quick meal.
Tip 2: Customize It
Feel free to personalize this salad! If celery is a must-have for you, toss it in. I love experimenting too-once I added pickled carrots from a jar of pickled jalapeños, which gave the salad a spicy, tangy twist. I bet this would be great with some hot pickled peppers mixed in too.
Storage
Store leftovers in a lidded container in the refrigerator; best used within 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
There are so many great options for sides that pair well with this recipe - a few suggestions for great pairings include soup (perhaps a creamy Sweet Potato Soup or this Pinto Bean Soup), pasta salads (like this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad or Tuna Pasta Salad), or a dip served with chips, crackers or veggies (like this Spinach Dip).
I have admittedly not tested how far in advance you might make this recipe, but I can confirm that you'll want to eat it within 3 days for the best flavor/texture. I would eat within 24 hours to enjoy this salad at it's peak freshness.
Perfect Pairings
If you tried this Chipotle Chicken Salad recipe (or any other recipe on Midwexican), please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it turned out in the 📝 comments below!
Chipotle Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
- ½ cup red onion finely diced
- ½ cup bell pepper finely diced
- 2 jalapenos finely minced
- 20 large black olives diced
- ½-1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chipotle en adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and papper to taste
Instructions
- Add mayo, chipotle en adobo sauce, and lemon juice to a large bowl and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if desired.½-1 teaspoon freshly-squeezed lemon or lime juice, 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons chipotle en adobo sauce, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Salt and papper
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken, onion, pepper, black olives, and jalapenos to the bowl and stir until combined.4 cups rotisserie chicken, ½ cup red onion, ½ cup bell pepper, 20 large black olives, 2 jalapenos
- Consider your chicken salad game upped.
Holly says
I'm going to make this for the weekend! Yum!