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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 44 reviews
  • Author: Melanie
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 20m
  • Total Time: 0h 35m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crac Corn Salad is a unique and flavorful dish combining crunchy Cracker Jack popcorn with shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy ranch and mayonnaise dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and savory bacon bits. Enhanced with a touch of hot sauce, this chilled salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes perfect for a refreshing meal or a party side.

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 using your preferred method such as boiling, baking, or sautéing, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or two forks.
  2. Combine chicken and popcorn: Place the cooked, shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl, then add the Cracker Jack popcorn to the same bowl.
  3. Prepare vegetables: Dice the celery into small, even pieces and chop the green onions, making sure to remove the ends before chopping.
  4. Add vegetables to the bowl: Add the chopped green onions and diced celery into the mixing bowl with the chicken and popcorn.
  5. Add cheese and bacon: Shred the cheddar cheese and crumble the cooked bacon into small bite-sized pieces, then add both to the bowl.
  6. Incorporate dressings: Pour in the ranch dressing and mayonnaise, distributing them evenly across the ingredients.
  7. Add hot sauce: Add the tablespoon of hot sauce to the mixture; adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.
  8. Toss salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until fully combined, ensuring the dressing coats all components evenly.
  9. Season to taste: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a pinch of salt or more hot sauce according to your preference.
  10. Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  11. Serve: After chilling, serve the Crac Corn Salad cold and enjoy the combination of crunchy popcorn, creamy dressing, and savory toppings.

Notes

  • Cooking the chicken thoroughly is essential to ensure food safety and the best texture for shredding.
  • Adjust the hot sauce quantity to control the spice level to your liking.
  • For added crunch, use freshly popped Cracker Jack popcorn without any excess seasoning beyond the pre-packaged coating.
  • This salad is best served cold after chilling to enhance the flavor melding.
  • Can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.

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