BLT Chicken Salad

Imagine the crispy crunch of bacon, the fresh snap of lettuce, and juicy tomatoes combined with tender chicken in a creamy dressing that hits all the right flavor notes. This BLT Chicken Salad transforms the classic sandwich flavors into a protein-packed, refreshing meal that works brilliantly for lunch or dinner. The familiar combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato pairs perfectly with succulent chicken and a tangy mayo-based dressing that ties everything together. You’ll learn how to balance these iconic flavors, prep ingredients efficiently, and create a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile enough to customize to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BLT Chicken Salad isn’t just another chicken recipe – it’s a texture and flavor masterpiece that brings together the best elements of two beloved classics. The smoky crispness of freshly cooked bacon creates delightful texture contrast against the tender chunks of chicken breast. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh that keeps you coming back for more.

What makes this salad truly special is its incredible versatility. Serve it on a bed of greens for a low-carb option, pile it high on toast for a hearty sandwich, or scoop it with crackers for an easy appetizer. The prep time is minimal, making it perfect for meal prep – the flavors actually improve after a few hours in the refrigerator as they meld together.

Best of all, this BLT Chicken Salad takes a familiar flavor combination and elevates it into something that feels special enough for company but simple enough for everyday enjoyment. It’s a recipe that maximizes flavor while minimizing kitchen time – truly the best of both worlds.

Ingredients

For this delicious BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 2 medium breasts or 12 oz)
• 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced)
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced avocado (optional)

The chicken can be from a rotisserie chicken for convenience, while thick-cut bacon will provide the best flavor contrast. Make sure your lettuce is crisp and fresh for that signature crunch that makes this chicken BLT salad so satisfying.

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect BLT Chicken Salad comes down to a few critical techniques:

First, master the bacon cooking method. For evenly crisp bacon that doesn’t shrivel, start with a cold pan and cook the bacon over medium heat, turning frequently. This gradual heating renders the fat properly while developing that perfect crunch. Drain on paper towels and crumble only when completely cool to maintain those crispy bacon bits throughout your salad.

Second, pay attention to your chicken preparation. For the most flavorful and moist chicken, season breasts with salt 30 minutes before cooking. Whether you’re poaching, grilling, or baking, cook only to 165°F (74°C) and let it rest before dicing. Cut the chicken into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for consistent texture and optimal dressing coating.

Finally, the dressing technique makes or breaks this salad. Whisk all dressing ingredients separately before adding to the salad components. This ensures even distribution of flavors. For the best flavor development, combine the chicken with just the dressing first and refrigerate for 30 minutes before adding the bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce – this allows the chicken to absorb the flavors while maintaining the crispness of the other ingredients.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by ensuring all your components are ready to combine. If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then either grill, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or poach until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it cool completely before dicing into 1/2-inch cubes. Cook your bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble when cool. Wash and chop your lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice your green onions if using.

Step 2: Make The Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed – this is your opportunity to customize the flavor profile of your BLT Chicken Salad. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice; for extra richness, increase the mayo slightly.

Step 3: Combine Chicken And Dressing

Add your diced chicken to the dressing and fold gently until each piece is well coated. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the dressing. For best results, cover and refrigerate this mixture for at least 30 minutes (though this isn’t absolutely necessary if you’re short on time).

Step 4: Assemble The Salad

Once your chicken has marinated in the dressing, add the crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. If you’re including optional ingredients like avocado or green onions, add these now as well. Fold everything together gently to avoid crushing the tomatoes or breaking down the lettuce. The goal is to evenly distribute all ingredients while maintaining their individual textures.

Step 5: Final Touches

Give your completed BLT Chicken Salad a final taste test and adjust seasonings if needed. Sometimes a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lemon juice can brighten all the flavors. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon of mayo; if too wet, add a bit more chicken or lettuce. Let the salad chill for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Variations

The classic BLT Chicken Salad is just the starting point for culinary creativity. For an Avocado BLT Chicken Salad, add half a ripe avocado, diced, and a squeeze of extra lemon juice to prevent browning. The creamy avocado adds richness that complements the bacon beautifully and transforms the texture profile of the dish.

For those seeking a lighter version, try the Greek Yogurt BLT Chicken Salad variation. Replace the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost and tangy flavor. Add a teaspoon of honey to balance the yogurt’s tartness and consider mixing in some fresh dill or basil for a bright, herbaceous note.

Spice enthusiasts will love the Southwest BLT Chicken Salad. Add 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat). This variation brings a colorful twist to the chicken bacon lettuce tomato salad concept while maintaining its satisfying core elements.

Storage/Serving

Your BLT Chicken Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, store any unused lettuce separately and mix it in just before serving – this prevents it from becoming soggy. If you’re meal prepping, consider layering the ingredients in mason jars with dressing at the bottom, chicken in the middle, and lettuce on top to keep everything crisp.

When it comes to serving, this versatile salad shines in multiple presentations. For a low-carb lunch, serve a generous scoop over mixed greens with additional cherry tomatoes. Transform it into a satisfying sandwich by piling it between slices of toasted sourdough or inside a warm pita pocket. For an elegant appetizer, spoon the BLT Chicken Salad into butter lettuce cups or endive leaves, creating beautiful, hand-held bites perfect for entertaining.

For a complete meal, pair with fresh fruit, sweet potato chips, or a light soup like tomato basil or cucumber gazpacho in warmer months.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BLT Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saving option. Just remove the skin, pull the meat from the bones, and dice it. The slightly richer flavor of rotisserie chicken actually enhances the overall profile of the salad.

How can I make this recipe healthier?
Reduce the mayo and substitute with Greek yogurt, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and increase the vegetable content by adding diced cucumber or grated carrots. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens instead of as a sandwich.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, though for best results, prepare all components and store them separately, combining just before serving. If you must mix everything, do so without the lettuce, adding that fresh just before serving to maintain its crunch.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a combination of both works well. Hummus can also provide creaminess with a different flavor profile. For a more tangy option, try a vinaigrette-based dressing instead.

My salad seems dry after refrigeration. How can I fix it?
The chicken can absorb moisture during storage. Simply add a tablespoon of mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt and gently fold to refresh the creaminess. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors that may have dulled during storage.

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