When Jen asked me to be part of a virtual BBQ I thought it sounded like fun, however, the part about contributing an original recipe using Philadelphia Cooking Creme sounded a little scary. In some areas I’m as creative as the next girl, but in others I’m a rule follower, or a recipe follower in this case. I don’t wing it and I don’t invent my own recipes.
Until this Southwest Chicken Salad!
I enjoyed the process of creating the recipe in my head and then pulling it together, juggling quantities and proportions until the reality equaled my imagination. At the bottom of this post you’ll find links to all nine participants in this virtual BBQ: visit them for more summer picnic ideas.
The post with the most comments TODAY ONLY wins $500 and a year’s worth of Philadelphia Cooking Creme. Voting is only open for 24 hours and I would truly appreciate your comment on this post!
Let’s begin:
My recipe evolved as it progressed, so the original ingredient picture needs editing. I’ll explain the changes as I go.
First, drizzle four boneless skinless chicken breasts with olive oil (spreading it on both sides) and bake them at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. While they’re cooking, prep the other ingredients. (Update: I usually sprinkle chili powder on the chicken breasts before baking.)
It’s been a while since I’ve bought avocados and mine (the green ones in the ingredients picture) weren’t ripe. If you’re unsure about selecting avocados, look the chart above (click it for more info) or those perfectly ripe beauties in the picture below. (Yes, I went back to the store for more. They’re worth it!)
Cut the avocados in half vertically and scoop out the pit with a spoon. The peel of a ripe avocado comes off easily and the inside is slightly mushy, slightly firm. Chop it into chunks and put them in a small mixing bowl.
Slice the kernels off of three ears of fresh, uncooked corn and toss them in a medium bowl.
Usually I make chicken salad with celery and grapes: I love the crunch of the first and the sweetness of the second. Fresh corn provides both the crunch and the sweetness of those ingredients, which I omitted in this southwest version.
It’s my recipe and I can cry omit if I want to.
Slice and dice the chicken and a red onion and mix with the corn.
Snip fresh cilantro and add to the avocado for extra kick. I used about 2/3 of the little cup that you see in the ingredients photo on top.
Add one container of Philadelphia Cooking Creme Santa Fe Blend and half a cup of sour cream to the avocados and cilantro and gently stir. Don’t mash those lovely chunks of avocado!
Pour it over the chicken/corn/onion mixture and stir until coated. Spoon a generous portion over lettuce on a croissant, or however you like to eat your chicken salad.
Enjoy!
My 10-year-old son (not the one pictured) said, “It looks like throw up, but it tastes like something from heaven.” That’s about the best compliment I could hope for from a self-proclamed hater of chicken salad. He also said, “It’s very good. You could easily win.”
Help me prove him right?
The post with the most comments wins $500 and your comment on this post equals a vote for my recipe!
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 carton Philadelphia Cooking Creme Santa Fe Blend
- 3 ears fresh corn
- 1 red onion
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 avocados
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- cilantro, to taste
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle chili powder over chicken breasts (spreading it on both sides) and bake them at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.
- Cut avocados in half, remove pit, peel, and then chop into chunks and put in a small mixing bowl.
- Slice the kernels off of fresh, uncooked corn and toss them in a medium bowl.
- Slice and dice the chicken and red onion and mix with the corn.
- Snip fresh cilantro and add to the avocado.
- Add Philadelphia Cooking Creme Santa Fe Blend and sour cream to the avocados and cilantro and gently stir.
- Pour it over the chicken/corn/onion mixture and stir until coated.
- Spoon over lettuce on a croissant, or however you like to eat your chicken salad.
- Enjoy!
Come join our Virtual Summer BBQ, hosted by Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.
Enjoy browsing these great recipes.
Lemon Berry Cheesecake Bars – Saving Dollars and Sense
Creamy Potato Salad – Mommy Hates Cooking
Creamy Italian Pasta Salad – Life in Grace
Southwest Chicken Salad – My Home Sweet Home
Creamy Bacon and Tomato Potato Salad – Lynn’s Kitchen Adventures
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad with Pesto Sauce – 4Tunate
Shrimp Campanelle Salad – The Peaceful Mom
Creamy Jalapeno Ranch Dip – Saving with Shellie
Philly Creamy Deviled Eggs – Smockity Frocks
Looks great, can’t wait to eat some.
I am a new reader to your blog and just came across this yummy looking recipe! I pinned it so I could try it out! I thought I would leave a comment and see if I can help you win! The salad looks amazing (and I love the comment from your son about it looking like throw up but tasting like heaven! That is so funny!) Good luck!
I am definitely going to have to try this out. Have never used the cooking cream before, so this will be a first. Looks delicious!
Yum! Can I come over for one?! Good luck!
Good gravy, Dawn…what a fresh spin on chicken salad! The ingredients are all delicious so this must TASTE fantastic!
Good luck!!
Thanks for a great recipe idea, Dawn. I do love the Philadelphia Cooking Creams, but I am sure am tired of the chicken enchilada idea. This sounds great and pretty easy. And I think it looks quite elegant on the pretty croissant.
That looks amazing!! I love chicken salad.
Looks Yummy! I love Philly’s flavored cream cheeses, and now I have a new flavor to try! 🙂
Oh this does sound like heaven! I LOVE avocados, the rest of my family do not… but that just means more for me! I also love chicken salad sandwiches… I will be trying this one for sure!
Good luck!
Looks yummy! I’ll definitely have to try this one. Beautiful photography and step-by-step instructions.
This looks so yummy! Pinning it to try later!
Wow! That looks amazing, Dawn. I’m so making this. Absolutely. I vote for you!
Looks so yummy! I am going to try it!
This sounds delicious!!! Thanks for creating and sharing! I love the idea about using the croissant; that seems like it would just send the whole sandwich over the top! Great idea! 🙂
I’m making this. For real. And yes, of course! I vote for you! And not just when it comes to chicken salad!
Dawn, this makes lunch not seem soon enough!
Absolutely yummy looking! I must try that soon!!! I’ve never bought the Philly cooking cream, but will put it on my list. 😉 You post is cute and made me smile with the avacados! LOL
OH my goodness… chicken salad has never looked so delicious. Your recipe and photos have my mouth watering Dawn!! Seriously. Need this for lunch today! 🙂
Okay, this looks AMAZING! I just bought some Philadelphia Cooking Cream and now I wish I had bought this flavor!
Looks delicious! Definitely will try 🙂
That makes me hungry and delicious! I will try it this summer!
Looks SOOO good.
This recipe sounds delicious! My son and hubby are big fans of anything south western. I will have to try this recipe as part of our Memorial Day celebrations!
This sounds wonderful! I love Southwestern/Mexican dishes and this sounds like a great “cool” one for the summertime. Can’t wait to try it out.
We needed a chicken recipe. I love simple! 🙂
I love making chicken salad variations. I would not have thought of putting these ingredients together but can imagine them being delightful. This will be on our Friday night picnic menu. Thinking of either serving it in a wrap or by itself with flour tortillas on the side.
This is going to be on today’s menu! Thank you for posting this, Dawn…I do use Philadelphia Cooking Cremes, and am glad to have a new recipe to try. Thank you for the recipe, the lovely step-by-step photo instructions. Can’t wait to report back about how the family likes it!
This looks yummy! I’m not sure about the avocados, but I’m willing to give them a try.
I just printed the recipe, can’t wait to make !1 Best Wishs to you!
Wow, that looks delicious! I’ve used those creme sauces before and didn’t like them, but this recipe makes me want to try again!
It looks awesome. I think we may have that for dinner tonight. Good luck.
I am very particular about chicken salad. This one I cannot wait to try. Thanks so much for the detailed outline of the maturation of avocados! I had no idea and generally bring home the wrong ones. Ready for a taste of heaven!
What a great idea! It looks yummy…I guess I’m off to the market now 🙂 Good luck!
Anything with cilantro, avocado, and red onion has got to be good. 🙂
thats soo good! yumm… (: hope you win!!!!!!!
I’m definitely going to try this recipe. Looks delicious.
While I’m not personally a fan of chicken salad, this does sound pretty amazing. And I’m sure hubby would LOVE it – especially with the avocado – he’s a huge fan of those! May have to prepare some for him.
This looks great! I’m always looking for ways to ad
Avacadoe and it will be a great light summer dinner with fresh fruit as a side!
Looks delish!
Best EVER…..Thanks for sharing .
Oh, my lands, this looks good. I am such a sucker for anything with avocado. Good luck on the contest! I think this one is a winner.
Looks delish! I will have to give it a try. Leave it to a kid to say it like it is!
Yummtastic!
Wow! This looks amazing! We just got on the avocado train and now I can’t get enough! This is perfect! Thanks!
Can’t wait to try this!!
That looks amazing, Dawn!! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
It’s lunch time here and you just made me REALLY hungry! lol! Looks GREAT!
Courtney
I love chicken salad and I am always looking for a different take on the traditional Southern recipe. This sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try it on my family! Yum!
Printing the recipe now! With 3 teenage boys and 3 littles (5, 5, & 6), I need all the looks-like-throwup-but-tastes-like-heaven recipes I can find. Thanks!
Great job! I’m like you when it comes to cooking, I prefer to follow a recipe! Looks delicious. Love the last photo.
I look forward to trying your recipe, Dawn. I like chicken salad, and my youngest LOVES avocado and corn! Thanks for sharing.
Looks delicious and I myself am not a fan of chicken salad normally. May have to try this.
Perfect. I just got a coupon for $1.50 off and I was wondering how to use Philly Creme in the summer – great creation!
This looks yum….I like the fresh, crunchy corn concept. =]
Feel free to send us over a sample..lol!
Sounds delish! Can’t wait to try it!!!
Looks yummy and easy to make!
Looks easy and yummy!
Wow – sounds like you’ve put a lot of effort in.
Looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
This looks delicious — and I love the avacado graphic. I am going to study it! 🙂
Oh my gosh, this looks delectable! I am certainly going to try this out!! Great photos too!!
Looks like a great selection for dinner tonight! Thank you for sharing.
Oh yum! I LOVE that this has avocados in it. Unfortunately, I’d have to substitute the cream cheese due to dairy intolerance here, but the recipe looks amazing!
looks awesome, I can’t wait to try this recipe!!
i’m the model from the last picture and it was tasty trust me!
Of course your first original recipe would be southwestern. Too funny! It sounds yummy, i hope you win.
This sounds delish I’m going to try this over the summer.
1 — I am sooo trying this.
2 — I think this is probably Jillian-approved.
3 — I think it’s fun that brilliant literary agent (and awesome chef) Bill Jensen is here in the comment box.
Have a great day. I hope you win. 🙂
Wow! That looks fantastic. I love corn and red onion together, needed an excuse to try the cooking creams. Headed out to the store now to buy these ingredients to try for this weekend. Thanks 🙂
awesome stuff mom
Umm yum!
THis looks delicious! And that is saying a lot considering I don’t even eat chicken!
Looks awesome! Can’t wait to try it. Yum!
Lisa
sounds yummy. And if the 10 year old likes I’m sure I will too!
I am so going to make this for my hubs for lunch!!! He has all these ingredients in separate containers in his box and he creates a sandwich at his desk… think he will love this!!! And your ago guide is brilliant!!!
The recipe looks absolutely delicious! Can’t wait to make it and try it myself.
This looks so perfect for the summer! And because I am no cook by any means it seems simple enough for even an amateur like myself to enjoy. Thanks so much for sharing and love your beautiful photos!
Can’t wait to try this. It looks delicious.
I love the idea of corn and avocados with the chicken. I can’t wait to try this…pinning it to my boards on Pinterest for easy access!
Can’t wait to make this!
Dawn, you are so creative! Looks like a great recipe. Can’t wait to try it!
I do believe this will suit my lovely new gestational diabetes prego diet just fine! 😉 Looking for creative ways to not feel tortured for the next 10 wks!!! 🙂 Thanks for helping Dawn!!
Sounds like a really good recipe to try. Coming from you I know it will be good.
This looks great! I’m totally going to try this! Excellen job!
This looks delicious, I would love to try it! And your photos are excellent as usual!
Looks YUMMY!! Can’t wait to try it
I knew you had it in you. 😉 That sounds delish.
Wow! That looks fantastic! Great pics1
Looks amazing. I think I’m going to leave my computer now and see what I have in my kitchen. It’s pushing 5pm. 🙂
Oh my goodness! This looks amazing. I love that you used all fresh ingredients. And the pictures are awesome!
This looks just so yummy! I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
YUMMY! I can’t wait to try this!
Ohmystars, I wanna eat my computer screen! YUM!!
I bet this is amazing….my friend is an awesome cook.
This looks amazing. It is a neat twist on the classic. Cannot wait to try it out!
Looks great!!
This looks so good. I am anxious to try it. I have tried recipes with all the different Philadelphia cream cheese and have loved all of them
I can’t wait to try this.
I have put Philadelphia cream cheese on my grocery list and I look forward to trying this yummy looking recipe! The combination of ingredients sound wonderful. Soon to be a favourite, I am sure!
This looks fantastic, Dawn!
Brave girl you are, creating a recipe all in your head. I’ll just use yours, thank you very much! Sounds delicious!
It does look wonderful! 🙂 I will be trying this in the near future! 🙂
Oh my this looks delish! I adore making yummy sandwich type meals during the summer… Adding the ingredients to my shopping list. 🙂
Sounds great! Thanks for sharing! : )
Oh my… This sounds amazing!! Great for summer lunches! I’m not a fan of mayo, so chicken salad with cream cheese is perfect!
Looks wonderful and lovely pictoral instructions!
Looks yummy yummy . Can’t wait to fix it :p
Joy in cheese form!
This recipe look amazing…will try it!!
Looks and sounds delish! Definitely a must try!
My wife told me I had to leave a comment.
Just being honest.
But I hope you win.
omg that’s so delicious! i just made it! oh scrumpt scrumpt scrumpt
look really good 🙂
I would have never thought to combine corn and avocado in a chic salad mix. I don’t eat chicken anymore but this recipe looks and sounds fabulous. I am going to substitute a mock chicken and try it this weekend. Lovely and just in time for the Memorial Day holiday! Thanks for submitting!
Looks absolutely scrumptious! It has all my favorite foods. Definitely have to try it!
Looks yummy…can’t wait to try it !!!!
Looks soooo good!
Looks delicious!!
That looks really good!
Wow! I love chix salad! Always eager to try a new recipe for it, too! Love the avocado add!
Excellent recipe
YUM!!! I cannot wait to try this!!:)
Wow, this looks so delicious, can’t wait to make some for myself!
Oh yuuuuuuuummmmy! Can’t wait to try it!
It looks so good. And I think I could even make it.
I can’t wait to try that!
Fabulous! yummy:)
I might have to take this recipe to my family reunion this year! I’ve never thought of taking chicken salad to the southwest side of the US. Great idea!
Dawn! Your recipe looks delish! And I love the avocado info too!
DELISH!! Voting 2 thumbs up and wishing I was eating it right now!
mmmmmm! can’t wait to try this!
Interesting idea! Never thought of adding a southwest twist to it!
Wow! Looks great. Instructions so clear, I could do this.
Looks delicious!
Looks yummy Dawn!
Looks GREAT! Perfect for Summer!
I LOVE a good chicken salad! And with fresh corn? AND CILANTRO? When can I come over?
Great recipe to follow and it looks SO good! Definitely one to try!
YUM!!!!! Thanks for the recipe!
Looks awesome and easy to make!
looks awesome!! Well def have to try this!
Woohoo, sounds delicious!!
this looks amazing!!!!
Yum! Especially if it tastes as good as your awesome pictures make it look 🙂
Looks Yummy!
Sounds yummy!
That looks so yum and easy to make. Thanks for the avocado chart. I can never tell when they are ripe or not! Oh and that pic of your son looks professional! Good Luck on the contest.
Looks like a recipe worth trying although I will probably add some salt & pepper.
Yummu!! Can’t wait to try it!
Sounds so Yummy! I can’t wait to try it!
This sounds great! Can’t wait to try it!
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try…very impressed!
Looks yummy!
Yum!
I love avocadoes! That looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing.
My goodness!! This looks delicious!
Oh my goodness, I CANNOT wait to make this recipe. I never thought to put Philadelphia cooking creme in chicken salad. Thanks!
Wonderful looking recipe. Would have never thougt of it.
Looks good to me…
You’ve got my vote Dawn! And great pics!
Looks delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
You are so creative, Mrs. Camp!! This looks absolutely amazing! 🙂
OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. Loved the Avocado tip about ripened appearance, and the cute comment: “Don’t mash those lovely chunks of avocado!”
Sounds yummy!
This rocks. Throw up looking food is always good.
sounds great!!!!
yum! I want this now, Dawn! Do you deliver??
Wow, is it lunch time yet?
OH my goodness, that looks so YUM! and easy too, thanks Dawn!
Sounds Yummy! Good luck 🙂
So good perfect for any get together!!!!!
I love that it doesn’t call for mayo…gonna have to try it!
Looks good Dawn. Good luck
Can’t wait to try it! And thanks for the helpful info on picking avocados!!!
This sounds and looks delicious! Love the step-by-step photos, too. This is a recipe I will DEFINITELY try.
mmm… this looks delicious, Dawn! I’ll have to try this for sure. Thanks for sharing!
Yummy, that looks delicious! Can’t wait to eat it!
Looks delish! Pinning this for future use!
Yummy, will be trying this this weekend!
I love new recipes, thanks for sharing!
sounds good enough to eat! a nice twist on an old favorite!
Love ur post!
Yum… you got me with the avocado! 🙂
Sure looks like a winner!
Looks tastey
Love this!
Good stuff. I approve. hope you win
mouth watering,and delicious must try it for my family.
Yummo!
yummy for the tummy. Anxious to try
Wish my wife would make this!
i want some. Have Bryan bring some to work.
Delish!
your husband told me to check this out. I agree with Jake, send some to work.
Looks delicious!
Yummy! A great summer evening on the patio meal.
This looks delicious!
I want this now.
This looks awesome!!!!
Sounds soooooo good!
I hope my wife makes this. It looks good.
Looks great!!! Can’t wait to try it:)
I love trying new recipes and this one looks like it’s perfect for summer. Can’t wait to try it!
Your pictures are AMAZING and the food looks SO good~!
Looks delicious! Will try this during the summer!
looks gooooood cant wait to try it!
Looks absolutely wonderful!!!
Oh my… girl, great recipe!
Amazing photos!
This sounds Delicious, can’t wait to try it!!
Soooooo goood! Best Chicken Salad I have ever tried!
Sounds delicious!
I love chicken salad and this looks like it is awesome. I will have to try it this
weekend!! Thank you!
What a unique way to use uncooked corn. I love uncooked corn but everybody thinks I’m CRAZY . This receipe makes me seem legit. I love everything about it. Thank You, Mary
2006, my entire home burned to the ground!! Lost all my great recipes!
I lost everything!!! So the past 7 years my favorite past time is collecting great recipes! I cant wait to try this Southwest Chicken Salad. It’s perfect for a HOT summer day!!! Thank you sooo much for sharing this online.! I cook all the time with crème cheese…it is the perfect base for any home made white sauce! I will post results of what my grown adult kids think of this dish…Again I am grateful, Thank you! Have a Blessed Day!!
Loove avacados, and I’ve been looking for a chicken salad recipe. This one looks like a jackpot. Can’t wait to try it
Not only does this look good but it sounds really good. Going to pin it and try it out next week. Looking forward to tasting it.
Looks and sounds very enticing! I’m always up for a new chicken salad.
Sounds delicious, can’t wait to try this.