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Salpicon de Pollo is a light and flavorful chicken salad.
I first learned of this dish on a visit to Ciudad de México (or CDMX). One of the things I love about this recipe is that it feeds a lot of people.
Similar to Salpicon de Res or Salipcon de Atun, there’s no mayo involved, making it ideal to take to picnics or warm weather gatherings.
Colorful, tasty, and vibrant. You’re going to love how easy it comes together.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Chicken
- Add a whole chicken to an instant pot along with 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, and 1 bay leaf.
- Set lid and move valve to Sealing. Press POULTRY button.
- Once cycle is done, release pressure.
I like to cook chicken in the instant pot. Ready in no time.
Feel free to use whatever cut you like. Boneless chicken breasts are the easiest cut to use since there are no bones.
The traditional way of cooking chicken is on the stove – Cover with water, add garlic, onion, salt, and a bay leaf. Cook for 50 minutes using boneless chicken.
Pro Tip:
You can also use leftover chicken. Or buy a rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the skin and continue with the recipe as instructed.
- Cool the chicken slightly.
- With two forks, shred the chicken.
If using bone-in chicken, separate the meat from the bones. Discard the bones.
You can even do this a few nights before to make things easier.
- Mix the olive oil, lime juice, oregano, and salt.
- Set aside until ready to use.
The lime vinaigrette is tangy and light. Be sure to whisk well right before pouring over the rest of the ingredients.
Be careful not to keep the chicken salad at room temperature for too long. You don’t want to make anyone sick.
To add a little spice, pour in some of the pickled jalapenos brine to the vinaigrette.
- Add all the ingredients to a large container.
- Drizzle with the vinaigrette.
Pictured here are tangy pickled onions. If you do not want to use pickled onions, I recommend using sliced red onions.
The lettuce will wilt. No worries. It is supposed to do that.
Optional Additions:
- Cucumbers
- Radishes
- Green peppers
- Red Peppers
- Cabbage (instead of lettuce)
- Roasted Poblano Peppers (instead of fresh jalapeno)
- Mix all the ingredients.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so the ingredients can meld together.
Give everything a good stir before serving.
FYI, avocado is totally optional. If using, add the avocado right before serving – either mixed gently into the Mexican chicken salad or as a topping.
Serve on store-bought or homemade tostadas or with saltine crackers.
Tostada Topping suggestions:
- Crema mexicana (or sour cream)
- Queso fresco (or queso cotija)
- Salsa Serrano
- Chipotle Mayo Sauce
Storing Instructions
Place any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended especially if using lettuce.
Serve with:
Remember this recipe next time you’re invited to a potluck or have to feed a crowd. Salpicon de Pollo delivers a lot of flavor for minimal work. Buen provecho!
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Salpicon de Pollo
Ingredients
For the Lime Vinaigrette:
- 2 Limes (juice only)
- 2 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
- 2 tbspn extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tspn whole dried oregano
- 1 tspn salt
For Chicken Salad
- 2 breasts chicken already cooked
- 1 jalapeno diced (or 1 diced pickled jalapeno)
- ½ bunch chopped cilantro
- 1 tomato diced
- ½ cup pickled onions (or ¼ sliced red onion)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado sliced or diced
Instructions
- Add the ingredients for the lime vinaigrette in a small bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
- Add the ingredients for the chicken salad in a large container.
- Pour the lime vinaigrette on top, and mix well to combine.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Add the avocado right before you're ready to serve.
- Serve with tostadas, saltine crackers, or chips.
I had leftover chicken and I made this tasty chicken salad – it was a solid.
This recipe is a fantastic way to make use of leftovers and create a new dish with a different flavor. Hope you make this recipe again soon.
This was such a hit! Thank you for loving all the ingredients, can’t wait to try this!
Glad you’re excited to try this Salpicón de Pollo recipe, I hope it becomes a new favorite in your household.
This sounds and looks absolutely delicious! Such a great alternative to those usual chicken tacos. 🙂
Happy to hear you liked it. Whether you serve it on tortillas, tostadas, or as a salad, it’s a versatile and satisfying option. Hope you enjoy!
This looks so refreshing and satisfying. I can’t wait to try this for dinner. Thanks for the great recipe.
It’s so yummy! Hope you give this a try.
Oh wow! This looks super delicious. I absolutely love the flavors. And the bonus is, it’s super easy to make and family friendly. Love it. Will definitely make it!
I have to admit I’ve only ever been into Aldi once. But I had NO IDEA they have so many quality products!! I’m going to have to give them another shot, as there is one not far from me. And this Salpicon de Pollo looks fabulous and super easy. I’m defiitely giving it a try
Yum! This chicken sounds so flavorful! I would definitely make this ahead of time for a few days of lunches!
Cooking in the instant pot is such a great alternative to turning on the oven in the heat of summer. This salpicon de pollo will make a great meal for my family this summer!
I’m also a huge fan of Aldi! The prices are always remarkable. This dish looks amazing! I love how you used tostadas to plate the salad! Super yummy!
THis looks so delicious!! Loving all the fresh flavors in this dish! Perfect for both dinner and lunch!! Oh and meal prep!!
This recipe looks so tasty and refreshing! And I love Aldi too, I didn’t know they had organic chicken I’m going to look for that next time I’m there!
Hello from another fan of Aldi! 😉 this looks like such a great recipe! Perfect snack to make in advance and take to a picnic in the park with friends and family! We are actually having one of those next weekend, so I’m looking forward to trying these!
It took me a few seconds to understand the name of the dish but once i did, I realized its the kind of food I like. Need to give it a try
That salad is just perfect for a summer picnic. I don’t have any Aldi stores near me, I think I’m missing out!
My family loves tostadas and I know that they would love this chicken on top of them. I love that it is loaded with so much flavor.
I REALLY need to try this! It looks AMAZING! And I love that you are a fellow Aldi shopper as well!