I’ve been making this BLT chicken salad recipe for years, and it never gets old.
It’s basically everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich, but turned into a hearty, protein-packed salad.
Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Recipe Overview
| Detail | Value |
| COURSE | Main Dish, Salad |
| CUISINE | American |
| DIFFICULTY | Easy |
| SERVINGS | 4 |
| PREPARATION TIME | 15 minutes |
| COOKING TIME | 15 minutes |
| CALORIES | 385 per serving |
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for dressing
- Paper towels (for draining bacon)
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 slices bacon
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cucumber slices
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Croutons for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it drain, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings (or use olive oil if you prefer), cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through to 165°F.
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice it into bite-sized cubes.
6. While the chicken is resting, make the dressing by whisking together mayo, ranch, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado.
8. Add the diced chicken and chopped bacon to the bowl.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated.
10. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
11. Give it one final gentle toss to distribute the cheese evenly.
12. Serve immediately for the crispiest bacon and freshest taste, or chill for 15 minutes if you prefer a cold salad.
Pro tip: This BLT chicken salad recipe tastes even better if you let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.
Ideas for Serving
- Lettuce wraps: Skip the bowl and wrap this BLT chicken salad in large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Sandwich filling: Pile it between two slices of toasted sourdough or whole wheat bread for an epic sandwich experience.
- Stuffed avocados: Halve avocados and fill them with the salad for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
- With crackers: Serve alongside your favorite crackers or pita chips for a fun party appetizer.
This BLT chicken salad recipe is versatile enough to work for lunch boxes, picnics, or even fancy dinner parties.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbs | 9g |
Each serving of this BLT chicken salad recipe delivers a solid balance of protein and healthy fats, making it genuinely satisfying.
The bacon adds flavor but also increases the fat content, so if you’re watching calories, you can reduce it to 4-6 slices instead of 8.
The avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, while the chicken gives you lean protein to keep you full.
Swapping mayo for Greek yogurt cuts calories significantly without sacrificing creaminess.
This salad is naturally low-carb and can easily fit into keto or low-carb meal plans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F – dry chicken ruins this salad.
- Soggy bacon: Make sure bacon is crispy before adding; undercooked bacon gets chewy and unappetizing in salads.
- Adding dressing too early: If meal prepping, keep dressing separate until serving to prevent wilted lettuce.
- Skipping the resting time: Let chicken rest before cutting or all the juices run out and you’ll have dry meat.
- Using iceberg lettuce: Romaine holds up better and has more flavor and nutrients than iceberg.
- Forgetting to season: Don’t rely only on bacon for salt – season your chicken and dressing properly.
Conclusion
This BLT chicken salad recipe has become my go-to whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
It’s got all the nostalgia of a classic BLT but feels way more substantial thanks to the chicken.
I love that it works for meal prep too – just keep the dressing separate and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender chicken is honestly hard to beat.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy Tuesday or bringing something to a potluck, this salad delivers every single time.
Give it a try this week and I promise you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.
FAQs
Can I make BLT chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep all the components separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Keep the dressing in a separate container and only toss everything together right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this BLT chicken salad recipe?
Pan-searing gives great flavor, but you can also grill, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, or use rotisserie chicken from the store to save time.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works fine, though it won’t be quite as crispy or flavorful as traditional pork bacon.
How long does BLT chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it’ll keep for 2-3 days, though the lettuce may wilt slightly after the first day.
Is this BLT chicken salad recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With only 9g of carbs per serving, this salad fits perfectly into most keto and low-carb eating plans.
