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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Salad
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Salad

This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Salad is loaded with seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and a creamy jalapeño ranch dressing. It’s hearty enough for dinner, easy enough for meal prep, and always a hit at potlucks, cookouts, camping trips, and summer gatherings.
Course Dinner, Lunch, Pasta Salad, Potluck
Cuisine American
Keyword Chicken Pasta Salad, cookout side dishes, Jalapeño Popper Chicken Pasta Salad, Meal Prep Pasta Salad, summer pasta salad
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 1 Cup Mayonnaise
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Packet  Hidden Valley Creamy Jalapeño Ranch seasoning if you can't find this, you can use the original mix
  • 2 tbsp Pickled Jalapeno Juice

For the Pasta Salad

  • 16 oz Rotini or any other type of pasta you prefer
  • 1.5-2 lbs Boneless skinless chicken, breasts or thighs
  • 1-2 tsp Chicken Seasoning use any that you like
  • 1/2-1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2-1 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Avocado Oil or any cooking oil
  • 1 lb Bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 8 oz Cheddar Cheese Cubes
  • 4 oz Can of Diced Jalapenos
  • 1 Fresh Jalapeno, sliced for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon on a parchment lined baking sheet at 400°F / 205°C until crispy. Drain and chop.
  • Cook the rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
  • Season the chicken with the chicken seasoning, paprika, and black pepper.
  • Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until fully cooked through, then rest for several minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño ranch seasoning, and jalapeño juice.
  • Add pasta, chicken, bacon, cheddar cubes, and the undrained diced jalapeños.
    • Reserve a few of the toppings for garnish if desired. Solely for presentation!
  • Toss until evenly coated.
  • Garnish with reserved chicken, bacon, cheddar cubes, and fresh jalapeño slices if desired.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If making ahead, the pasta will absorb some of the dressing as it sits. Stir in a spoonful of mayonnaise, sour cream, or a splash of milk before serving to freshen it up.