BLT Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and satisfying lunch that can brighten your day, then this BLT Chicken Salad is just what you need! It combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a dish for unexpected guests, this salad checks all the boxes!

Imagine taking just 25 minutes to create a delicious dish that’s both healthy and hearty. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this BLT Chicken Salad is destined to become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this salad comes together in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato blended with chicken.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It stays fresh in the fridge for days!
• Keto & Whole30 Approved: This recipe aligns with popular dietary lifestyles, so you can feel good about serving it.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy dressing creates a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BLT Chicken Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Salad

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 5 strips of bacon
• 1/4 cup chopped green onion
• 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned tuna if you’re short on time.
• Change the dressing: Try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
• Make it spicy: Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your salad an exciting kick!

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts in a medium-sized saucepan. Cover them with cold water until they are submerged by at least an inch. Bringing the water to a boil helps cook the chicken evenly while keeping it juicy. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid; this keeps moisture in as it cooks.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While your chicken simmers away, it’s time to cook up that crispy bacon! Fry it on medium-low heat until it’s golden brown and crunchy. Placing it on paper towels afterward will soak up any excess grease, giving you perfectly crispy bits to add later.

Step 3: Mix Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped green onion, and black pepper. This creamy mixture pulls everything together and adds flavor without overpowering the dish.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once your chicken has simmered for about 14 minutes and is fully cooked through, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly. Shredding it with two forks makes it easy to mix into your salad later.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix together your shredded chicken, creamy dressing, quartered cherry tomatoes, and chopped bacon. Give everything a gentle stir until well combined—every bite should be bursting with flavor!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

You can dig into your delicious BLT Chicken Salad right away or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It’s perfect served over lettuce leaves or enjoyed straight from the bowl!

Now you’re ready to experience this delightful dish; I hope you love every bite as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect BLT Chicken Salad is all about the little details! Here are some tips to help you elevate your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a huge difference in flavor. Opt for organic chicken and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best results.

• Chill Your Salad: After mixing, let your salad chill in the refrigerator for a bit. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

• Adjust Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning to your liking. Adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder can give an extra kick that complements the other flavors nicely.

• Experiment with Textures: Consider adding some crunchy elements like diced cucumbers or toasted nuts. This will provide extra texture and keep every bite interesting.

• Make It Ahead: This salad stores well, so consider making it ahead of time for quick lunches throughout the week. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Serving your BLT Chicken Salad can be just as fun as making it! Here are some delightful ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon Wedge: Serve with a lemon wedge on the side; a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Cucumber Slices: Lightly salted cucumber slices add a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the chicken salad.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a light, crisp contrast that complements your main dish.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices not only add healthy fats but also enhance the flavor profile of your meal.
• Celery Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy celery sticks served with hummus make for an excellent, healthy side that pairs well with your chicken salad.

Enjoy serving this delicious BLT Chicken Salad at lunch or dinner; it’s sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. With its delicious flavors and satisfying ingredients, you can whip up a batch and savor it whenever hunger strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to stir well before serving again as some separation may occur.

Freezing

• While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the shredded chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and store it for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before mixing with mayonnaise, bacon, and veggies.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen just the chicken, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Avoid reheating the entire salad once mixed, as ingredients like tomatoes and mayonnaise do not freeze well.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful recipe, here are some common questions that might help!

Can I make BLT Chicken Salad without bacon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bacon with crispy turkey bacon or even omit it altogether for a lighter version. The salad will still be delicious!

How long does BLT Chicken Salad last in the fridge?

Your BLT Chicken Salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving!

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in BLT Chicken Salad?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, consider using Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a creamy texture without extra calories.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this tasty BLT Chicken Salad! It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any lunch occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving some for later, I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with friends!