I’m so happy to share this Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad recipe because it takes a classic favorite and gives it a bold, smoky twist. This salad is creamy, a little spicy, and full of fresh crunch in every bite. Shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and a chipotle lime dressing come together fast and taste amazing. It is perfect for quick lunches, easy meal prep, or simple dinners.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 25 minutes
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 15 minutes
Yield: about 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made a spicy chicken salad like this at home. It felt fun to take something familiar and give it a little kick.
What makes this recipe special is the creamy chipotle lime dressing. It is smoky, tangy, and just spicy enough without being too much. The chicken stays tender, the celery adds crunch, and the cilantro brings everything together.
This salad is great when you want something fast but full of flavor. I love making it for meal prep because it keeps well and can be served in many easy ways.
How to Make Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad
This chicken salad mixes creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors into one simple bowl. Here is how it all comes together:
• Shredded chicken as the hearty base
• Crisp celery and red onion for crunch
• Fresh cilantro for brightness
• A creamy dressing with mayo and Greek yogurt
• Chipotle peppers and lime for smoky heat
It is a quick mix and toss recipe that is perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
• 2 cups shredded chicken, homemade or store bought
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 to 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken and Veggies:
Add the shredded chicken to a large mixing bowl.
Add the diced celery, red onion, and chopped cilantro. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Stir until smooth and creamy. - Add Flavor to the Dressing:
Mix in the lime juice, chopped chipotle pepper, and adobo sauce.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. - Mix Until Smooth:
Stir the dressing well so all the flavors are evenly combined.
Taste and adjust salt or spice if needed. - Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables.
Gently mix until everything is fully coated. - Serve or Chill:
Serve right away or cover and chill in the fridge.
The flavor gets even better after a short rest.
Process Details
• Shredded Chicken: Smaller shreds help the dressing coat every bite evenly.
• Creamy Base: Using both mayo and Greek yogurt keeps the salad rich but not too heavy.
• Chipotle Heat: Chipotle peppers add smoky spice, and you can control the heat by removing seeds.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Lime brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess.
Tips for Success
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Finely dice the onion so it blends well into the salad.
• Start with less chipotle if you are sensitive to spice.
• Add a little extra yogurt if you want it lighter.
• Taste after mixing and adjust salt or lime to your liking.
Serving Ideas
• Spoon into a wrap with lettuce and avocado.
• Serve as a sandwich on toasted bread.
• Enjoy with tortilla chips or crackers for scooping.
• Spoon over a bowl of fresh greens for a lighter meal.
• Serve on toast for a quick open faced lunch.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Stir Before Serving: Give it a quick mix before eating.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, the texture may change.
• Meal Prep: This salad works very well for make ahead lunches.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~8g
• Fat: ~24g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~550mg
• Sugar: ~2g
This Easy Chipotle Chicken Salad is creamy, smoky, and full of bold flavor while still being simple to make. It comes together fast, keeps well, and works for many different meals.
I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Once you try it, it may become one of your favorite go to chicken salads.
