These Chicken Salad Bites are refreshing, filling, a little sharp, and savory. A perfect combination of chicken, cream, and veggies. Naturally, they’re high in protein (16g) , low in carbs, low calorie, and gluten-free.

If you’re snacking, the best thing you can do for yourself is grab something savory. This is where these chicken salad bites come in handy.

They also tend to do very well as appetizers at any party. Tested by me! Because who doesn’t love a savory appetizer before or after dinner with a glass of wine?

These Chicken Salad Bites are the best snack or appetizer for those who want a healthy option. They offer less than 2 grams of net carbs (that’s right!) and 16 grams of protein.

They are healthy and incredibly delicious. My kind of combination!

I’ve served them at dinner parties, and people can’t even tell they are healthy.  They even go back for seconds and even thirds!

So, if you are making them for your friends and family, word of advice, you are going to want to make a lot of them.

Now, before we go over the ingredients you need for this recipe, there are a couple of tips I’ve got for you to make this the best Chicken Salad Bites.

First, be careful how you cook the chicken. Poach, grill, or roast the chicken breast to keep it moist and flavorful.

I love to use an instant pot to cook it quickly and shred. What’s important though is to drain all the liquids as well as you can once the chicken is done.

Second, make sure you use seasoning when cooking the chicken. You can use simple options like salt, pepper, and garlic powder to add some flavor.

Lastly, shred the chicken while it’s still warm since it’s easier to handle. And, I’ve also seen it has a better texture afterward.

Ingredients and Substitutes

English cucumber, cut into thick slices (1) –  I enjoy using cucumber since it adds some freshness to the recipe and makes the best base for the chicken salad. However, you can also use zucchini slices.

Cream cheese (4 tbsp) – This adds creaminess to the dish and a mild flavor that balances all the ingredients. You can use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option or replace it for low-fat cottage cheese.

Sour cream (2 tbsp) –  If you don’t have any, you can use Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative.

Red hot sauce (4 tbsp) – I love spicy food, but if you are not a fan, you can reduce or eliminate this ingredient. You can also use mild salsa and smoky paprika or add jalapeño peppers (keep in mind that these are spicy).

Cooked chicken breast, shredded (2 cups) – If you don’t have time to cook the chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or switch to tuna or turkey.

Diced celery (1/3 cup) – This offers a refreshing crunch. If you don’t have any, you can use water chestnuts.

Crumbled blue cheese (3 tbsp) – For those who prefer milder cheese, you can use feta or goat cheese.

Scallions, sliced (2) – They add a mild onion flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients, but if you don’t have any, you can use chives or finely diced red onions.

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

Fresh dill, chopped – You can use fresh parsley as well.

How to Make Chicken Salad Bites

Step 1. Grab a large bowl and add the cream cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.

Step 2. Blend until everything is combined thoroughly.

Step 3. Add the cooked shredded chicken, celery, blue cheese, scallions, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4. Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 5. Grab the cucumber and cut it into thick slices. You want them on the thicker side to hold all the chicken salad. I got a total of 18 slices.

Step 6. Place around 1 tablespoon of the chicken salad onto each cucumber slice.

Ways to Modify This Recipe

One of the things that I love about chicken salad bites is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit different tastes and even dietary preferences.

So, what can you add to make this recipe your own? Here are some things I’ve tried adding.

• Fruits: Diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries.
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil.
• Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.

How to Serve These Chicken Salad Bites

The good thing about these Chicken Salad Bites is that you can serve them in different ways. I’ve mentioned how you can have them as a snack or as the perfect appetizer for dinner parties.

Now, if you are going to use them as an appetizer, presentation matters! Arrange the bites on a platter, garnish with fresh dill, and add some colorful veggies to have a visually appealing dish.

But these bites are not only good for appetizers; they are also great for meal prep. You can prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a ready-to-eat snack that’s both healthy and delicious.

Other Protein Appetizers

• Ham Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese
• Smoked Salmon Bites
• Ham Roll Ups