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Cracker Jack Chicken Salad with Bacon, Cheese, and Hot Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crac Corn Salad is a crunchy, creamy, and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, Cracker Jack popcorn, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, bacon, and a tangy ranch-mayo dressing with a hint of heat from hot sauce. Perfect as a unique side or light meal, this salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that come together beautifully after chilling.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cracker Jack popcorn
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Cook and shred chicken: Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or two forks to ensure it mixes well in the salad.
  2. Add chicken to bowl: Place the cooked, shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl as the salad base for assembling the ingredients.
  3. Prepare popcorn: Make sure the Cracker Jack popcorn is popped and ready; set it aside in a bowl to keep it fresh and crunchy.
  4. Add popcorn to bowl: Add the Cracker Jack popcorn to the mixing bowl with the shredded chicken for texture and sweetness.
  5. Prepare vegetables: Dice the celery into small, even pieces and chop the green onions after removing the ends to ensure freshness and bite-sized pieces.
  6. Add vegetables to bowl: Add the chopped green onions and diced celery into the mixing bowl to incorporate fresh crunch and flavor.
  7. Add cheese: Shred the cheddar cheese finely and add it to the bowl for richness and creaminess.
  8. Add bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon into small bite-sized pieces and add them to contribute a smoky, savory element.
  9. Add dressings: Pour the ranch dressing and mayonnaise over the salad, distributing both evenly to coat all ingredients with creamy flavor.
  10. Add hot sauce: Add the tablespoon of hot sauce to the mixture to introduce a spicy kick, adjusting according to taste.
  11. Toss salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until fully combined and coated with the dressing for even flavor throughout.
  12. Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and season further if desired, adding salt or extra hot sauce to suit individual preferences.
  13. Chill salad: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and the salad to chill nicely before serving.
  14. Serve: After chilling, serve the Crac Corn Salad cold and enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy popcorn, creamy dressing, and savory toppings.

Notes

  • To keep the popcorn crunchier longer, add it just before serving if preparing the salad well in advance.
  • You can substitute cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder salad.
  • This salad can be served as a side dish or a light main course for casual meals or gatherings.
  • For a lower-fat version, use low-fat mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
  • Ensure bacon is cooked crisp to add the best texture contrast to the salad.

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Find it online: https://sweetindulgencescakes.com/cracker-jack-chicken-salad-with-bacon-cheese-and-hot-sauce-recipe/