Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad

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Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad is a creamy, cheesy twist on classic chicken salad loaded with sharp cheddar, tangy pimentos, red onion and a little kick of cayenne.

Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy no-cook chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers or a quick lunch straight from the fridge.

Why This Recipe is a Winner!

• Ready in 15 minutes – No cooking required when you start with cooked shredded chicken.
• Ultra creamy and cheesy – Cream cheese, mayo and shredded cheddar make every bite rich and satisfying.
• Loaded with pimento cheese flavor – Pimentos, cheddar and a touch of cayenne give it that classic Southern-inspired flavor.
• Perfect for leftover chicken – A great way to use up cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Super versatile – Serve it on sandwiches, croissants, wraps, crackers or lettuce cups.
• Great for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and keep it chilled for easy lunches.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayo
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup diced pimentos, drained
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cups shredded chicken

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don't miss out on any important tips and tricks!    

Step By Step Instructions

 STEP 1: 

I dropped some softened and cubed cream cheese into a mixing bowl.

I also add mayo to the bowl.

 STEP 2: 

I added shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and then stirred all of the ingredients together until fully combined.

 STEP 3: 

I added diced pimentos and red onions to the bowl.

I also added garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to the bowl.

I stirred all of the ingredients together until well combined.

 STEP 4: 

I added shredded chicken to the bowl and stirred well again.

Every bite of this Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad is rich, creamy and cheesy with little pops of tangy pimento, crunchy red onion and just a hint of heat.

Pile it onto a buttery croissant, scoop it up with crackers or eat it straight from the bowl when no one’s looking.

If you are looking for a fun change from a classic chicken salad then you need to try this Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?

• Yes. Softened cream cheese is much easier to combine with the mayonnaise and cheddar and gives the chicken salad a smoother, creamier texture.

What are pimentos?

• Pimentos are mild, sweet red peppers commonly used in Southern-style pimento cheese. For this recipe, be sure to drain the diced pimentos well before adding them.

Is this Pimento Cheese Chicken Salad spicy?

• It has just a mild kick from the cayenne pepper. You can reduce or omit the cayenne for less heat or add a little extra if you like things spicy.

How should I store leftovers?

• Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality, enjoy it within 3 to 4 days.

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