Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad

This hearty chipotle chicken salad transforms basic shredded chicken into a bold, smoky meal that's perfect for quick lunches or casual entertaining. The creamy dressing with spicy chipotle peppers gives ordinary chicken salad an exciting Mexican-inspired twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

I first made this recipe when looking for creative ways to use leftover roast chicken, and it's become my go-to solution for quick lunches. The combination of creamy dressing with that distinctive smoky chipotle kick elevates an ordinary chicken salad into something truly craveable.

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken: Provides the protein base. Choose homemade for best flavor or use rotisserie chicken for convenience
• Red onion: Adds sharp flavor and beautiful color. Select a fresh firm bulb
• Celery: Delivers essential crunch and freshness. Look for crisp stalks with bright leaves
• Cilantro: Brings fresh herbaceous notes and authentic Mexican character. Use both leaves and stems for maximum flavor
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base. Choose a quality brand for best results
• Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess while reducing calories and increasing protein. Use full-fat for best texture
• Lime juice: Brightens all flavors with necessary acidity. Select juicy fresh limes
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce: Provides signature smoky heat. Adjust quantity based on spice preference
• Adobo sauce: From the chipotle peppers intensifies flavor without adding extra heat
• Garlic: Contributes aromatic depth. Fresh is vastly superior to pre-minced
• Smoked paprika: Enhances the chipotle's smokiness. Look for Spanish varieties
• Salt: Enhances all flavors. Kosher salt works best
• Black pepper: Adds mild spiciness. Freshly ground provides the most flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the base:

Combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a large mixing bowl. Make sure the chicken is pulled into bite-sized pieces for the best texture and eating experience. The vegetables should be cut consistently small to distribute their flavors throughout each bite.

Mix the dressing:

In a separate smaller bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings if needed. The dressing should taste slightly stronger than you want the final salad to be.

Combine everything:

Pour the chipotle dressing over the chicken mixture, making sure to scrape all the flavorful dressing from the bowl. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be thorough but gentle to maintain the texture of the ingredients.

Rest for flavor development:

While you can serve immediately, allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes will let the flavors meld together more completely. This resting period allows the chicken to absorb the dressing flavors and results in a more cohesive taste experience.

Pin it

The chipotle peppers are really the star ingredient here. I keep a few cans in my pantry at all times because they add instant depth to any dish. My family now requests this chicken salad specifically when they see a rotisserie chicken come home from the grocery store they love the smoky kick that makes it so different from standard chicken salad.

Heat Level Adjustments

Chipotle peppers pack significant heat along with their wonderful smoky flavor. For a milder version that still maintains the signature taste, use half a pepper and keep the adobo sauce. For those who love spicy food, add an extra pepper or include some of the seeds. Remember that the spiciness will intensify slightly as the salad sits, so when in doubt, start with less and add more after tasting.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chicken salad works beautifully in multiple presentations. Pile it onto toasted bread with avocado and lettuce for a satisfying sandwich. Wrap it in a flour tortilla with shredded lettuce for a quick lunch. For a lower carb option, serve it in lettuce cups or endive spears as an appetizer. My personal favorite is scooping it with sturdy tortilla chips alongside a cold Mexican beer when friends come over.

Storage Tips

Store your chipotle chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as everything melds together. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to refresh the creaminess. I do not recommend freezing this salad as the mayonnaise base will separate upon thawing, and the vegetables will lose their crisp texture.

Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a wonderful base that welcomes customization. Add diced avocado just before serving for richness and creaminess. Mix in black beans or corn for a more substantial texture and southwestern flair. For a fruitier version, include diced apple or halved grapes to balance the spice with sweetness. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and works with whatever you have on hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time in preparation.

→ How spicy is the chipotle flavor?

The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted by adding more or less chipotle pepper and adobo sauce.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it a day in advance and refrigerate to let the flavors meld together.

→ What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

You can use sour cream or additional mayonnaise as a substitute for Greek yogurt.

→ How do I serve this dish?

Serve it with tortilla chips, inside a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick and tasty meal.