BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

This BLT Chicken Salad is where classic comfort meets fresh, modern flavor! Imagine all the best parts of your beloved BLT—smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp green onion—folded together with tender chunks of chicken and a creamy mayo dressing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a crowd-pleasing meal in a hurry, this salad won’t let you down. BLT Chicken Salad brings hearty, savory goodness to any table, and it’s practically guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this BLT Chicken Salad delivers extraordinary flavor and a rainbow of colors. Each ingredient adds something special—don’t skip a single one if you want the full experience!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the foundation, giving the salad lean protein and a satisfying bite.
• Bacon: Those five strips crisp up to add smoky depth and crunch, making each bite so much more irresistible.
• Green Onion: Chopped green onions brighten the salad and add a subtle, zippy freshness that balances the richness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Quartered cherry tomatoes bring juicy bursts of flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo ties everything together, giving every ingredient that classic, luxurious mouthfeel.
• Black Pepper: Just a little black pepper adds a gentle heat that wakes up all the other flavors.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and cover them with cold water—make sure there’s at least an inch of water above the chicken. This gentle poaching method keeps the chicken super moist and tender, perfect for salads!

Step 2: Boil and Simmer

Put the pan on the stove, uncovered, and bring the water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a lid, and let the magic happen for 14 minutes. This slow simmer cooks the chicken beautifully without drying it out.

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon

While the chicken poaches, fry your bacon strips on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Turning occasionally, cook until they’re gorgeously crispy—but keep an eye on them! Burnt bacon is a real tragedy. When done, transfer them to a paper towel to drain off any excess grease.

Step 4: Chop and Prep

Once the bacon has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces—these little gems will dot your salad with flavor-packed crunch. Meanwhile, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped green onion, and black pepper in a small bowl for your creamy dressing base.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the water and let it cool just a bit. Using two forks, shred it up directly on a plate or cutting board. This gives you perfect, tender pieces that soak up all the creamy goodness later.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded chicken, mayo-mixture, quartered cherry tomatoes, and those beautiful bacon bits. Give everything a thorough mix so each bite bursts with BLT Chicken Salad delight!

Step 7: Chill or Serve

Dig in right away while the flavors are at their brightest, or cover and chill in the refrigerator to let them mingle even further. You truly can’t go wrong—BLT Chicken Salad is delicious both ways!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra green onions or a dusting of cracked black pepper over the top before serving for color and a little extra zip. You could even add a handful of microgreens if you’re feeling fancy—just the thing to make your BLT Chicken Salad pop at a party or potluck!

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty salad with a side of crusty bread, crisp pickle spears, or a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette. Chips or kettle-cooked potato crisps are always a hit on the side, too. The BLT Chicken Salad is so versatile that it fits alongside just about anything you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your BLT Chicken Salad into lettuce cups for a low-carb lettuce wrap, pile it onto a toasted brioche bun for the ultimate sandwich, or mound it high on a bed of baby spinach. Try stuffing it into halved avocados or using it as a protein-rich filling for wraps and pita pockets—it truly shines wherever you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making lunch tomorrow even tastier than today!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as mayonnaise doesn’t thaw well and can separate. Instead, enjoy it fresh throughout the week and whip up a new batch when cravings strike again.

Reheating

Since BLT Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a good stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge—this helps reincorporate any separated dressing.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works beautifully in BLT Chicken Salad. Just shred it up and proceed with the recipe as written.

Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise?

Yes—try using plain Greek yogurt or a mix of half-mayo, half-yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. It still makes BLT Chicken Salad creamy and delicious without sacrificing flavor.

What’s the best way to chop bacon for salads?

After frying and draining, chop the bacon into small, uniform pieces. This ensures that every bite of your BLT Chicken Salad gets some of that smoky crunch.

Can I add other veggies or ingredients?

Definitely! Try diced avocado, celery for extra crunch, or even a little sharp cheddar cheese for another BLT Chicken Salad twist. It’s a fantastic base for your favorites.

How can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Prepare everything in advance but combine the bacon and tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh. Give the BLT Chicken Salad a quick toss right before your guests dig in!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as effortless as it is irresistible, you’ll want to keep this BLT Chicken Salad recipe handy. It brings a classic flavor combination to your table in the very best way—quick, fresh, and full of crave-worthy textures. I hope you’ll love every bite as much as I do—don’t forget to make extra, because everyone will want seconds!

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