BLT Chicken Salad

This irresistible BLT Chicken Salad transforms the classic sandwich flavors into a protein-packed, creamy dish that satisfies on every level. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers that familiar BLT taste you love, but in a versatile form that works for any meal. Whether served between bread slices, wrapped in a tortilla, or enjoyed straight from the bowl, this salad delivers comfort food satisfaction without the fuss.

I brought this salad to my sister's backyard gathering last summer, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. My brother-in-law, who normally heads straight for the grilled meats, asked me three separate times for the recipe. There's something about that combination of smoky bacon and creamy dressing that makes everyone forget they're essentially eating a salad!

Key Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, providing tender, flavorful meat without extra cooking; the slightly seasoned meat adds depth to the salad
• Bacon: Cook it until properly crisp for that essential textural contrast; thick-cut bacon provides bigger bacon flavor in each bite
• Cherry tomatoes: Their sweet-tart flavor and firm texture hold up well in the salad; cutting them in half releases just enough juice to flavor the dressing without making it watery
• Red onion: Adds a pleasant bite that balances the richness; soaking diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes before adding will mellow the sharpness if preferred
• Celery: Provides essential crunch and freshness; cutting it into small, even pieces ensures you get some in every bite
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that brings everything together; light mayonnaise works perfectly well if you're watching calories
• Lemon juice: The acidity brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the bacon and mayo
• Seasonings: The combination of salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Begin with preparing the perfect chicken if you're not using rotisserie or leftover chicken. Place 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 22-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces, so using a meat thermometer ensures perfect results every time.

Step 2:

Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 10 minutes before handling. This critical resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken remains moist and tender rather than dry. After resting, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly ½-inch cubes for the ideal texture in each bite.

Step 3:

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bacon. Cut 1 pound of bacon into ½-inch pieces before cooking – this is much easier than crumbling after cooking and creates more uniform pieces. Cook the diced bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. This should take about 8-10 minutes until the bacon is crispy but not burnt.

Step 4:

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, arranging it in a single layer to drain properly. Blot the top with additional paper towels to remove as much grease as possible. This prevents the excess fat from making your salad soggy or too rich.

Step 5:

Prepare the vegetables while the bacon cools. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, finely dice the red onion, and chop the celery into small, even pieces. The key is consistency in size – you want each bite of salad to contain a little bit of everything.

Step 6:

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing by combining ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well-blended, making sure there are no pockets of seasoning.

Step 7:

Add the prepared chicken, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and celery to the bowl with the dressing. Using a large spatula or spoon, gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to stir too vigorously, which can break down the tomatoes and make the salad watery.

Step 8:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 1-2 hours is even better. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to permeate the ingredients. The salad actually improves as it sits, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Step 9:

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors after chilling. Remember that cold temperatures can slightly dull flavors, so what seemed perfectly seasoned before chilling might need a little adjustment.

The Secret to Perfect Texture

The key to this salad's incredible texture lies in the preparation of each ingredient. Many chicken salads suffer from being either too dry or too mushy, but achieving that perfect middle ground is simple with a few tricks. First, never overcook your chicken – it's better to use a meat thermometer and pull it from the heat as soon as it reaches 165°F. Second, make sure to dry your vegetables thoroughly after washing – excess water will dilute your dressing and make the salad soggy. Finally, when cooking your bacon, take it just beyond what you think is done – as it cools, it will soften slightly, so starting with extra-crisp bacon ensures it maintains some crunch in the finished salad.

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Make-Ahead Magic

This BLT Chicken Salad actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep or preparing ahead for gatherings. I often make a large batch on Sunday afternoon for easy lunches throughout the week. The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully, though the bacon will gradually soften. If you're making it more than a day ahead, consider reserving half the bacon and adding it just before serving to maintain that wonderful textural contrast between creamy and crunchy.

Creative Serving Ideas

While delicious on its own, this salad's versatility is what truly makes it special. One of my favorite ways to serve it is in lettuce cups using Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves – they create perfect little edible bowls that add freshness and crunch. For a more substantial meal, stuff it into a ripe avocado half or hollow out a tomato and fill it with the salad. At my last family gathering, I set up a 'BLT Bar' with the chicken salad as the centerpiece, surrounded by different breads, wraps, and topping options, allowing everyone to create their perfect combination.

I discovered by happy accident that adding a handful of crumbled blue cheese to this salad creates an incredible flavor dimension. My husband wasn't typically a fan of chicken salad until I made this version with blue cheese – now he requests it specifically for his lunch box!

This BLT Chicken Salad has become so much more than just another recipe in my collection – it's now my go-to solution for everything from quick family dinners to potluck contributions. There's something deeply satisfying about transforming such familiar flavors into a dish that works in so many different situations. I love watching people take their first bite and seeing that moment of pleasant surprise as they taste how the classic BLT elements come together in this creamy, protein-packed form. Simple ingredients transformed into something that brings people together – isn't that what good cooking is all about?

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

This BLT Chicken Salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of chilling.

→ What can I serve this chicken salad with?

Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or between slices of your favorite bread for a sandwich. It also pairs well with crackers, cucumber slices, or stuffed in avocado halves.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free as it uses mayonnaise which is typically made with eggs and oil, not dairy. Just check your mayonnaise label to confirm it doesn't contain dairy ingredients.

→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for some or all of the mayonnaise for a tangier, higher-protein option. You can also use avocado mayo or a dairy-free yogurt for alternatives.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Diced avocado, cucumber, bell peppers, or even shredded lettuce would make excellent additions. Just add them right before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.