BLT Chicken Salad is a fresh and filling twist on the classic BLT sandwich, bringing together crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and crunchy lettuce all in one bowl. It’s packed with bright, crisp textures from fresh tomatoes and the satisfying bite of grilled or roasted chicken, making it a meal that feels both light and hearty.
I love making this salad when I want something quick but still feel like I’m enjoying a little treat. The smoky bacon adds a wonderful pop of flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Plus, tossing it all with a simple dressing—like a tangy mayo-based one or a light vinaigrette—just ties everything together so nicely. I often add a little extra crunch with toasted bread on the side or even some avocado for creaminess when I’m feeling fancy.
This salad is perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, especially on warmer days when heavy meals don’t sound great. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to love because it hits all the right notes—smoky, savory, fresh, and just a little bit indulgent. I always find myself craving it again and again once I’ve had it, which to me means it’s a winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast works well here. I like roasting or poaching it for juicy, tender meat. Leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time saver and works just as well.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch. Try turkey bacon for a lighter option or vegetarian bacon if you want to avoid pork.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine’s crunch is perfect for texture. You can swap for green leaf, butter lettuce, or even kale for a different bite.
Mayonnaise & Dill Dressing: The creamy mayo with dill gives this salad its signature flavor. If you prefer a lighter dressing, try Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo.
Tomatoes & Red Onion: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and juiciness, while red onion brings a sharp note. If red onion is too strong, use sweet onions or scallions instead.
How Can I Get Crispy Bacon Without Mess or Fuss?
Crispy bacon is key and here’s how I do it for the best texture with minimal mess:
- Preheat your skillet on medium heat, place bacon slices without overlapping.
- Cook slowly so the fat renders out and the bacon crisps evenly – about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Remove bacon when it’s a deep golden crisp but not burnt.
- Drain on paper towels to soak up extra grease—this keeps the bacon perfectly crunchy.
- For less mess, baking bacon on a sheet lined with foil or parchment at 400°F for 15-20 minutes is also great.
Keeping an eye on the bacon prevents burning and the slow cooking helps get that ideal crunch with smoky flavor—essential for this salad!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – Perfect for tossing the ingredients and making the dressing in one spot.
- Skillet – I prefer a non-stick skillet for cooking the bacon to get it crispy without too much splatter.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping lettuce, tomatoes, and onion with ease.
- Measuring spoons and cups – To measure out mayonnaise, lemon juice, and herbs accurately.
- Serving bowl or platter – To present the salad nicely for serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for turkey or add cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Mix in crunchy croutons or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Add sliced avocado or hard-boiled eggs for creaminess and richness.
- Use balsamic vinegar instead of lemon juice for a tangy, sweet flavor.
BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 slices bacon
- 5 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BLT Chicken Salad takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish. Cooking bacon and prepping the fresh ingredients are quick steps, and combining everything is easy and fast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon slices until they turn crispy. Once done, remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to drain any extra grease. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Chicken Dressing:
In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken. Mix in mayonnaise, chopped dill, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
3. Assemble the Salad:
Place the chopped Romaine lettuce at the bottom of your serving bowl. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and finely chopped red onion over the lettuce. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture on top evenly.
4. Add the Crispy Bacon:
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon pieces over the salad. You can toss everything lightly for a mixed salad or leave it layered for a beautiful presentation.
5. Final Touches:
If you like, add a little extra black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice on top before serving to brighten the flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Salad?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken first, preferably overnight in the fridge. Once thawed, pat it dry before shredding to avoid extra moisture in the salad.
How Should I Store Leftover BLT Chicken Salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep any bacon separate if possible to maintain its crispness, then add it fresh when serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken mixture and chop the veggies ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and bacon crunchy.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of half yogurt and half mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing that still tastes creamy and delicious.
