Savor the Best BLT Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably delightful about a BLT chicken salad that brings together the best of both worlds: the juicy crunch of bacon, the refreshing crispness of lettuce, and tender chicken all in one bowl. Imagine biting into a creamy, tangy dressing that binds this colorful medley together, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms your lunch from mundane to magnificent.

I still remember the first time I served this BLT chicken salad at a summer barbecue. Friends were skeptical at first—“Chicken in a salad? Really?” But once they tasted it, their skepticism melted away like ice cream on a hot day. Now, it’s a staple for gatherings and lazy weekend lunches alike. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close; it’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just when you need a delicious life pick-me-up.

Celebrating my cousin’s birthday with this dish led to cheers and second helpings from everyone around the table.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Crisp Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crunch and flavor; nobody likes soggy bacon in their salad.

• Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine provides that satisfying crunch; feel free to mix in other greens if you prefer.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These bite-sized beauties add sweetness and color; opt for vibrant red ones for the best flavor.

• Avocado: Creamy avocado elevates everything and adds healthy fats; make sure it’s ripe but not mushy.

• Mayonnaise: A dollop of mayo creates that creamy dressing base; consider using Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the mayo.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings go a long way; adjust these according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Chicken: Begin by preheating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them on your cooking surface. Grill or sauté for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Crisp the Bacon: While your chicken cooks, place bacon strips in a pan over medium heat. Cook until crispy—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes—then transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess grease.

Prepare Your Veggies: Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces while waiting for your chicken to cool slightly after cooking. Halve cherry tomatoes and dice avocado into small cubes so they are ready to toss into the mix.

Create Your Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth; season with salt and pepper according to taste. You can also add some herbs here if you’re feeling adventurous!

Toss It All Together: Once everything is prepped, slice cooled chicken into strips or cubes. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crumbled bacon, and chicken pieces before drizzling your creamy dressing over top.

Serve and Enjoy: Gently toss everything together until well coated in dressing. Serve immediately for maximum freshness or refrigerate for about 30 minutes if you prefer flavors melded together more thoroughly.

Now you have yourself a delightful BLT chicken salad! Enjoy every vibrant bite while relishing how easy it was to prepare this culinary masterpiece in no time flat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your chicken first; grill or pan-sear until golden brown. While the chicken cools, prepare your veggies and crispy bacon to ensure everything comes together seamlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference. Avocado can replace mayonnaise for creaminess, or add your favorite herbs for an extra flavor kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy it cold or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of the time I made it for my family reunion. Everyone enjoyed it so much that I was asked to bring it every year!

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the BLT chicken salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative that still provides creaminess.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and texture to the salad.

Print

BLT Chicken Salad

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

BLT Chicken Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic sandwich, combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies all tossed in a creamy dressing. This delightful dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or simply elevating your lunch. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple preparation steps, this salad is sure to become a favorite among family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or sauté for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let cool.
2. Crisp the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare Veggies: Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes while chicken cools. Dice avocado.
4. Make Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and lemon juice; whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss Together: Slice cooled chicken into strips or cubes. In a large bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crumbled bacon, and chicken. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs in the dressing. Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.