Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Chicken (Print Version)
Zesty, creamy chicken salad with jalapeños, bacon, and cottage cheese. A satisfying low-carb twist on a classic favorite.
# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
03 - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
→ Vegetables
04 - 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
05 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
06 - 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
→ Dairy & Dressing
07 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
08 - 2 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Seasonings
10 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# How-To:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bacon, jalapeños, celery, green onions, and cheddar cheese.
02 - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
03 - Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
04 - Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
05 - Garnish with fresh parsley if using. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve chilled, on lettuce leaves or as a filling for lettuce wraps.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get all the flavors of jalapeño poppers without turning on your oven or dealing with messy breaded coating
- The cottage cheese creates an incredibly creamy texture while packing in 13 grams of protein per serving
02 -
- I once skipped the refrigeration step when I was in a rush and the flavors tasted totally flat, those 30 minutes are nonnegotiable
- Blending the cottage cheese first with a fork breaks down the curds for a smoother texture if that bothers you
03 -
- Freeze your cream cheese for 15 minutes before mixing if your kitchen is particularly warm, it helps keep the texture firm
- Double the jalapeños if you really love heat, but taste one first since they vary wildly in spice level