What is something that has completely changed my lunchtime game? What is a BLT Chicken Salad? I remember when I first made it – my husband looked at me like I had three heads, but one bite. He was hooked. Think classic chicken salad, but with all the smoky, salty, crunchy goodness of a BLT sandwich piled high. If you love chicken salad and a great BLT, you’re absolutely going to adore this unexpected combination. Seriously, prepare to be obsessed – it’s like your favorite summer sandwich got a major upgrade. Is there any excuse to make this?
What is BLT Chicken Salad?
What is a BLT Chicken Salad? What’s your classic Creamy Chicken salad? We’re talking crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce all tossed together with tender tenderloin. What are some of the best ways to serve chicken in a tangy dressing What is the best way to enjoy the iconic BLT flavor profile without bread? What is filling for bread? What is a recipe that takes all those wonderful elements and combines them into something totally different. What is a deconstructed BLT that’s easier to eat (no more messy sandwiches! ) and surprisingly versatile.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even start? There are SO many reasons to fall in love with this BLT Chicken Salad. First and foremost, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of Creamy Chicken, salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce is seriously addictive. It’s a party in your mouth! But beyond the taste, it’s also incredibly easy to make. Honestly, it comes together in about 20 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your fridge and pantry. And the best part? It’s ridiculously versatile. You can serve it on croissants, lettuce wraps, crackers, or even just eat it straight out of the bowl (don’t judge!).
What I love most about this is how customizable it is. What are some of the best ways to swap out ingredients for a healthier diet? What are some good substitutes for romaine lettuce? How do you serve jalapeos with hot sauce? Is this recipe similar to my mom’s tuna salad recipe? What is a quick, easy, and delicious BLT? What is a good Chicken Salad?
How do I make a BLT chicken salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make a BLT Chicken Salad? How do you cook chicken (or use leftover rotisserie chicken)? ), chop up your bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and then toss everything together with a simple, healthy salad. What is the best creamy The secret is in the quality of the ingredients. Use good bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh lettuce for the best flavor. Don’t skimp on mayonnaise – it really makes the dressing shine! This method is special because it’s so adaptable. How do I adjust the ratio of ingredients to my liking?
Ingredients
What is a good chicken salad?
* 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (about 1 pound)
* 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (I prefer thick-cut)
* 1 cup chopped tomatoes (Roma or cherry tomatoes work great)
* 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use a good quality mayo) (it makes the difference!
* 2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-in
* Avocado, diced
* Jalapeño, finely diced
* Celery, finely diced
How do I get step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, you need to cook your chicken. You can poach it, bake it, or grill it – whatever you prefer. I often use leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s so convenient. Just make sure the chicken is cooled completely before shredding it. You don’t want it to warm up all the other ingredients!
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Next, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I like to bake my bacon in the oven because it’s less messy and the bacon cooks evenly. Once the bacon is cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces. Don’t skip this step! The bacon adds SO much flavor and texture.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
Now, chop your tomatoes and lettuce. I like to use Roma tomatoes because they have a good flavor and aren’t too watery. For the lettuce, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly before chopping it. No one likes soggy chicken salad!
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red onion (if using), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar if I want a slightly sweeter dressing.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the chicken salad will become mushy.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the BLT Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do you mix the flavors of a salad and chill it completely? Serve it on croissants, lettuce wraps or crackers, or enjoy it straight out of the bowl!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to serve this BLT Chicken Salad? What are some of my favorite ideas?
For Lunch:Serve it on croissants or sandwich bread for a classic chicken salad sandwich. Add a side of green salad or grilled chicken for dipping.
For a Light Dinner:What is a good low-carb option? Serve it in lettuce wraps. Garnish with extra bacon and tomatoes for a pretty presentation.
For a Party:Serve it with crackers or baguette slices as an appetizer. Can you make mini chicken salad sliders?
For a Picnic:Pack it in a container with some crackers and fruit for an easy and delicious picnic lunch. My family loves it with a side of pasta salad. It’s become an everyday staple at our summer picnics!
How do I make a BLT Chicken Salad?
Want to take your BLT Chicken Salad to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Bacon Perfection:How do you cook bacon? What is the best way to use burnt bacon in chicken salad? How do I bake a cake in the oven?
Mayo Matters:Use good quality mayonnaise for dressing. What flavor does mayonnaise have? I find that using a lighter mayo can sometimes make the overall salad too runny, so stick with the lighter Mayo. What is the full fat
Acid is Key:Don’t skip apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard. These ingredients add a touch of acidity that balances out the richness of the mayonnaise and bacon. Is it safe to use white wine vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Temperature Check: Make sure all of your ingredients are cold before combining them. This will help the chicken salad stay fresh and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Flavor Bomb: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing for an extra layer of smoky flavor. It’s a game changer!
Secret Weapon: A little bit of finely diced celery adds a nice crunch and freshness to the chicken salad. It’s totally optional, but I highly recommend it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This BLT Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are a few tips for storing it properly:
Refrigeration: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.
Mayo Separation: You may notice that the mayonnaise separates slightly after being refrigerated. This is normal. Just give the chicken salad a good stir before serving.
No Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this chicken salad, as the mayonnaise will separate and the texture will change. It’s best to make it fresh!
Add Lettuce Later: If you’re making this ahead of time, consider adding the lettuce just before serving. This will prevent it from becoming soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavor and simplicity. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile to your face with every bite. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches. And the best part? It’s always a crowd-pleaser! If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other chicken salad variations for even more delicious inspiration. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- Shred cooked chicken breast.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayonnaise. Mix well.
- Serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.
