Crispy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh Farm Flavors Unite

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that pack maximum flavor, and this zesty BLT chicken salad recipe delivers just that.

Crisp bacon crackles with each bite, adding smoky depth to tender chicken pieces.

Juicy tomatoes burst with ripeness, complementing the perfectly seasoned meat.

Crisp lettuce provides a cool, crunchy foundation that makes each forkful delightful.

Creamy dressing ties all the ingredients together in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top elevate this classic combination from simple to spectacular.

You’ll love how quickly this salad comes together for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering culinary creation.

Why BLT Chicken Salad Works So Well

• Swap ingredients or add personal favorites to make this BLT chicken salad uniquely yours, transforming a simple recipe into a personalized culinary delight.
• Loaded with tender chicken and crispy bacon, this salad delivers a satisfying protein punch that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Enjoy as a standalone dish, stuff into sandwiches, wrap in lettuce, or serve over fresh greens for multiple mouthwatering meal variations.

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the main component of this delicious salad.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory element that brings rich flavor to the dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion, Celery: These crisp vegetables provide texture, freshness, and a colorful mix to the salad.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide depth and aromatic seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Chicken

Cook chicken breasts in water seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon Perfection

Dice bacon and cook in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Let it sizzle for 8-10 minutes until it reaches maximum crunchiness.

Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease, creating those irresistible crispy bits.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Veggie Companions

Dice red onion into tiny cubes.

Slice cherry tomatoes in half.

Chop celery into small pieces.

The goal is creating the perfect bite-sized mix that ensures every forkful is a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Dreamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings to make the dressing sing with flavor.

Step 5: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

• Shredded chicken
• Crispy bacon
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Celery

Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

You’ve got two delicious options.

Chill the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle and get extra delicious.

Or dive right in and enjoy immediately – your call!

This salad is a crowd-pleaser either way.

Smart Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

• Use water with garlic, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor while cooking chicken evenly and keeping it tender.
• Cook bacon slowly on low heat to achieve maximum crunchiness and avoid burning, ensuring perfect texture in every bite.
• Cut all vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to guarantee a balanced mix of ingredients in each spoonful of salad.
• Taste and adjust seasonings in the mayo-based dressing, adding more lemon juice for tanginess or extra garlic powder for depth.
• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld together and develop a richer taste profile.

Storing BLT Chicken Salad Right

• Store the BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month. Note that the texture of tomatoes and celery may change upon thawing.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen salad in the fridge overnight. For best results, avoid microwaving to prevent soggy vegetables. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Stir in a small amount of fresh mayo or lemon juice to revive the dressing's creaminess and brighten the flavors after storage.

Best Sides for BLT Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the salad's tangy, savory profile, cutting through the richness of bacon and mayo while enhancing the fresh vegetable notes.
• Match with Refreshing Summer Ale: A light, citrusy wheat beer or summer ale balances the salad's creamy dressing and provides a bright, effervescent counterpoint to the salty bacon and tender chicken.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: A rustic, slightly tangy sourdough slice offers a wonderful textural contrast, helping to soak up the delicious dressing and turning the salad into a more substantial meal.
• Complement with Crisp Green Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds an extra layer of freshness, creating a balanced plate that highlights the BLT chicken salad's robust flavors.

Fun Twists on BLT Chicken Salad

• Keto-Friendly BLT Chicken Salad: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado-based mayo to reduce carbs. Swap cherry tomatoes with fewer low-carb cucumber pieces and add extra crispy bacon bits for healthy fats.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken Salad: Substitute bacon with grilled pancetta, add kalamata olives, and replace mayo dressing with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. Sprinkle fresh herbs like oregano and parsley for Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad: Mix in diced jalapeños, replace red onion with green onions, and add chopped cilantro. Incorporate a spicy dressing using chipotle powder, lime juice, and a touch of Greek yogurt for heat and creaminess.
• Dairy-Free Protein Powerhouse: Use vegan mayo or mashed avocado as a dressing base. Add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra protein and crunch. Include diced bell peppers for additional nutrition and color variety.

FAQs

• Is BLT Chicken Salad healthy?

This salad offers a protein-packed meal with lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and moderate dressing. It provides a balanced mix of nutrients, with protein from chicken and bacon, vitamins from vegetables, and controlled calories when using light mayo.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare BLT Chicken Salad up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and blend better after a few hours of chilling.

• What can I substitute for mayo in the dressing?

Greek yogurt works perfectly as a mayo alternative. It provides similar creaminess with fewer calories and added protein. You can also use light sour cream or a blend of Greek yogurt and olive oil.

• How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Cook bacon slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat to ensure maximum crispiness. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess grease. Add bacon just before serving to maintain its crunch and prevent sogginess.

Blt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crisp lettuce embraces succulent BLT chicken salad, blending classic sandwich flavors into a refreshing meal. Bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty dressing create a delightful ensemble you’ll crave for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (about 450 grams) cooked chicken
• 1 pound (454 grams) bacon

Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 small red onion
• 2 stalks celery

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by poaching in seasoned water until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 15 minutes. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces after cooking.
2. Render bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, ensuring maximum crunchiness.
3. Prepare vegetable components by finely dicing red onion, halving cherry tomatoes, and chopping celery into uniform, small pieces for balanced flavor distribution.
4. Create dressing by whisking mayonnaise with lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor profile.
5. Combine shredded chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and celery in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold dressing throughout ingredients, ensuring even coating.
6. For enhanced flavor development, refrigerate salad for 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, serve immediately if eager to enjoy the fresh, vibrant combination of ingredients.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by poaching with aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper taste complexity.
• Select thick-cut bacon for superior crunch and richer smoky profile, ensuring even cooking at medium-low heat.
• Customize dressing by adding Greek yogurt for tangier, lighter version or swapping mayo with avocado for healthier alternative.
• Prep ingredients ahead and store separately to maintain crisp textures, preventing soggy salad when mixing components just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg