Low Carb Jalapeno Popper Cottage Cheese Chicken (Printable version)
Zesty creamy chicken salad with jalapeños, cottage cheese, and crispy bacon for a satisfying low-carb meal.
# What you'll need:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
→ Vegetables
03 - 2-3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
04 - 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
05 - 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
→ Dairy & Dressing
06 - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
07 - 2 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
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)
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bacon, jalapeños, celery, green onions, and cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
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. Ensure no lumps remain.
03 - Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
04 - Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as desired. Add extra jalapeño seeds or cayenne for additional heat if preferred.
05 - Garnish with fresh parsley if using. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled on lettuce leaves or as filling for lettuce wraps.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cottage cheese creates this incredibly creamy texture without needing tons of mayo
- Everything comes together in about 20 minutes and gets better overnight
02 -
- The cottage cheese can leave small lumps in the dressing so use an immersion blender if you want it perfectly smooth
- This genuinely tastes better the next day so make it the night before you plan to serve it
03 -
- Chop all the vegetables to roughly the same size so you get every flavor in each bite
- Room temperature ingredients blend better so take everything out of the fridge 20 minutes before starting