These Chicken Salad Bites are a healthy, high-protein snack or appetizer made with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, fresh scallions, and crunchy celery—all served on crisp cucumber slices. They’re low in carbs, gluten-free, and take just minutes to prepare. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or guilt-free snacking, these bites are flavorful, satisfying, and endlessly customizable with herbs, fruits, or nuts.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 English cucumber, cut into thick slices

• 4 tbsp cream cheese

• 2 tbsp sour cream

• 4 tbsp red hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

• 1/3 cup diced celery

• 3 tbsp crumbled blue cheese

• 2 scallions, sliced

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh dill, chopped

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. Mix until smooth.

2. Add shredded chicken, celery, blue cheese, scallions, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.

3. Slice the cucumber into thick, even rounds—about 18 slices total.

4. Place 1 tablespoon of the chicken salad mixture onto each cucumber slice.

5. Garnish with chopped fresh dill and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve.

Nutrients (Per 3 Bites – Approx. 3 oz)

• Calories: 137

• Protein: 16g

• Fat: 6.7g

• Saturated Fat: 3.4g

• Carbohydrates: 2.3g

• Fiber: 0.4g

• Sugar: 1.1g

• Cholesterol: 54mg

• Sodium: 216mg

• Potassium: 250mg

• Calcium: 52mg

• Iron: 0.7mg

The Perfect High-Protein, Low-Carb Combo

At their core, Chicken Salad Bites are a celebration of balance. With each serving delivering around 16 grams of protein and only a small amount of carbohydrates, they cater beautifully to low-carb or keto lifestyles. The shredded chicken is a lean, high-quality protein that fuels your body and keeps you full, while the cheese and sour cream provide healthy fats and a creamy base. This balance of macros makes them ideal for keeping blood sugar stable and energy levels high throughout the day. For anyone looking to reduce refined carbs without sacrificing flavor, this recipe delivers the perfect answer.

Why Cucumber Is the Ideal Base

Cucumber slices are more than just a creative serving vessel—they’re a game-changer. Cool, crisp, and hydrating, cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy and savory chicken mixture. They also add volume and texture without adding many calories, making them a smart alternative to crackers or bread. Using cucumber as the base keeps the recipe gluten-free and adds an extra layer of nutrition, including vitamins K and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Plus, their natural crunch enhances the eating experience, making every bite feel light yet satisfying.

A Creamy and Flavorful Chicken Salad Base

The star of this recipe is, of course, the chicken salad. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce creates a rich and zesty base that clings to the shredded chicken and ties all the flavors together. The cream cheese gives the salad body, while the sour cream lightens the texture with a subtle tang. The hot sauce adds heat and complexity, cutting through the richness with just the right kick. This trio of ingredients creates a dressing that’s bold and creamy without being overpowering, making it a versatile base for countless flavor variations.

The Texture and Crunch You Crave

What sets these bites apart from ordinary chicken salad is the thoughtful use of texture. Finely diced celery adds a welcome crunch that breaks up the creaminess, while scallions lend a subtle sharpness that keeps things fresh. The cucumber slices serve as both a structural base and a refreshing counterpoint. Topped with crumbled blue cheese and optional fresh dill, each bite becomes a multilayered experience: smooth and creamy, crisp and crunchy, spicy and savory. It’s a small dish that delivers big on texture contrast.

Blue Cheese and Hot Sauce: A Bold Flavor Pairing

Inspired by classic buffalo chicken, the pairing of blue cheese and hot sauce is what gives this chicken salad its edge. Blue cheese brings an assertive, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the dairy and meat. When paired with a generous dose of hot sauce, it evokes the iconic flavor of buffalo wings—without the mess or the frying. This flavor profile is bold and exciting, yet still approachable enough to please a wide range of palates. For those who prefer a milder flavor, the amount of hot sauce and blue cheese can easily be adjusted.

Garnishes That Elevate

Though small, garnishes like fresh dill make a noticeable difference. Dill brings a light, grassy note that lifts the rich flavors of the chicken salad and brightens the overall bite. It also adds visual appeal, giving each cucumber round a professional, finished look. Garnishing might seem like a small step, but it transforms these bites from simple snacks into elegant, party-ready appetizers. You can also get creative with alternative garnishes like paprika, parsley, or finely chopped chives for different effects.

Meal Prep-Friendly and Easy to Assemble

One of the best things about Chicken Salad Bites is how well they fit into a busy lifestyle. The chicken salad mixture can be prepared several days in advance and stored in the fridge, making it ideal for weekly meal prep. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice a cucumber and assemble—no reheating, no baking, no last-minute rush. This convenience makes them perfect for everything from weekday lunches to last-minute entertaining. The ingredients are widely available and inexpensive, so it’s an accessible recipe for anyone to whip up on a whim.

Great for Entertaining

Because of their bite-sized format and vibrant appearance, Chicken Salad Bites are an excellent choice for gatherings. They’re neat to eat, easy to hold, and naturally portion-controlled. They also appeal to a variety of dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-carb guests. Whether served on a party tray, as part of a brunch spread, or at a holiday gathering, they look beautiful and deliver consistent flavor. Their versatility also means you can customize them with a Mediterranean twist, a Tex-Mex vibe, or a classic deli-style flavor depending on your theme and audience.

Customizations for Endless Variety

Once you have the base recipe down, the possibilities for customization are virtually endless. Add diced apple or grapes for a touch of sweetness, or chopped walnuts or pecans for nutty crunch. Swap out the blue cheese for feta or goat cheese, or trade the dill for basil or tarragon. If you’re not a fan of hot sauce, try Dijon mustard or lemon juice for brightness. The chicken can even be replaced with canned tuna, smoked salmon, or tofu crumbles for a different protein source. This adaptability ensures you never get bored, even if you make them weekly.

A Nutrient-Dense, Balanced Snack

Beyond their deliciousness, Chicken Salad Bites are genuinely nourishing. Each serving delivers a generous helping of protein, important for muscle maintenance and satiety. The cucumbers contribute fiber, hydration, and essential vitamins, while the celery and herbs offer micronutrients and antioxidants. Unlike processed snacks, these bites contain no preservatives, refined sugars, or mystery additives. They’re made entirely from whole, recognizable ingredients—something that’s increasingly important in today’s health-conscious world.

Conclusion

Chicken Salad Bites are more than just a trendy appetizer—they’re a thoughtful, nutritious, and delicious snack option that works for a variety of occasions and lifestyles. With lean protein, bold flavors, and satisfying textures, they offer a smart solution for anyone trying to eat well without sacrificing enjoyment. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and as visually appealing as they are tasty, these bites prove that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you’re entertaining, meal prepping, or just need a wholesome midday bite, Chicken Salad Bites deliver on every front. Try them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.