Chicken Salad Chick has become my favorite destination for delicious and creative chicken salads. Among their many tempting options, the Jalapeno Holly stands out with its perfect blend of creamy goodness and spicy kick. I’ve always loved how this salad balances the heat of jalapeños with the tenderness of chicken, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 3 cups | Shredded |
| Jalapeños | 2 | Deseeded and finely diced |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup | |
| Celery | 1/2 cup | Diced |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup | Finely chopped |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Lettuce leaves | As needed | For serving |
Instructions
Follow these steps to create my copycat Chicken Salad Chick Jalapeno Holly salad. It’s easier than you might think!
Prep
- Gather Ingredients
- Measure 4 cups shredded cooked chicken.
- Dice 2 jalapeños, removing seeds for less heat.
- Finely chop 1/2 cup red onion.
- Slice 2 celery stalks into small pieces.
- Prepare Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup sour cream.
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth.
Cook
- Cook the Chicken (If Not Pre-Cooked)
- Season 2 pounds of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest, then shred it using two forks.
Assemble
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, chopped red onion, and sliced celery.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture.
- Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or your favorite bread.
Tools
To master the Chicken Salad Chick Jalapeño Holly copycat recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the essentials you’ll need in your kitchen:
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
- Perfect for dicing jalapeños, chopping celery, and slicing red onions with ease.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ensure precise measurements of mayonnaise, sour cream, and spices to achieve that perfect creamy texture and balanced flavor.
Mixing Bowls
- A large mixing bowl is ideal for combining all your ingredients smoothly without any spills.
Shredding Tool
- Use two forks or a stand mixer with a shredding attachment to effortlessly shred the cooked chicken to the desired tenderness.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- These are great for mixing the salad thoroughly while maintaining the integrity of each ingredient.
Refrigerator
- Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your Jalapeño Holly chicken salad.
- A generous serving spoon or ladle ensures you can transfer the salad to plates or sandwiches without any hassle.
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process, making it enjoyable and efficient to recreate this delicious chicken salad at home.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing the Chicken Salad Chick Jalapeño Holly in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here are my top make-ahead tips to ensure your salad is always fresh and delicious:
Separate and Store Ingredients
Keeping each component separate until you’re ready to assemble preserves their textures and flavors.
- Shredded Chicken: Cook and shred the chicken up to two days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Diced Jalapeños: Chop the jalapeños and keep them in a separate container. Remove seeds for less heat if desired.
- Vegetables: Finely chop celery and red onion. Store each in separate containers to maintain crunch.
- Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate the dressing in a sealed jar.
Assemble When Ready
Combine all the prepped ingredients just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, chopped celery, and red onion.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture.
- Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Proper Refrigeration
Store the assembled salad in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected gatherings.
Fresh Serving Bases
Prepare lettuce leaves or your favorite bread just before serving to ensure they remain crisp and prevent sogginess.
Conclusion
Recreating the Jalapeño Holly salad at home was incredibly rewarding The blend of creamy and spicy flavors is just as delightful as the original It’s perfect for any meal and really brings a fresh twist to your dining table I love having a homemade version that I can prepare ahead and enjoy throughout the week I hope you give this copycat recipe a try and find as much joy in making it as I did Happy cooking!
