If you’re looking for a fresh and satisfying meal that combines the classic flavors of a BLT with tender chicken, then this BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for you. This dish offers a delightful mix of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and seasoned chicken, all tossed together in a creamy dressing. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it on its own, use it as a sandwich filling, or even enjoy it on a bed of greens as part of a light meal. Preparing this salad takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The rich flavors will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen. So let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Bacon Strips: Use thick-cut bacon for added flavor; cook until crispy for the best texture
- Ripe Tomatoes: Choose fresh tomatoes at peak ripeness for maximum flavor; cherry or grape tomatoes work well too
- Crisp Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg lettuce provide the crunch needed to balance the creaminess of the dressing
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base that holds everything together; consider using Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative
For the Sauce:
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds brightness; adjust to taste based on your preference
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon
While the chicken bakes, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, transfer it to paper towels to drain excess grease.
Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients
Once your chicken has cooled slightly after baking, chop it into bite-sized pieces. Next, dice your tomatoes and chop the lettuce into manageable pieces.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with lemon juice. Stir well until smooth. You can add more lemon juice if you prefer extra tanginess.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crispy bacon pieces, diced tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Pour over the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional dressing if desired. Enjoy your refreshing BLT Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Bacon Alternatives: Try turkey bacon or pancetta if you’re looking for different flavors while keeping it lighter
- Add Extra Crunch: Include sunflower seeds or nuts for added texture in your salad
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
This BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and dressing in advance. Cook the chicken breasts, let them cool, and dice them. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Prepare the dressing separately to keep flavors fresh until serving.
- Storing: Leftover BLT Chicken Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. Ensure it is well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption from other foods.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a microwave at medium power for about one to two minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. If you prefer, serve it cold straight from the fridge for a refreshing option.
FAQs for BLT Chicken Salad :
What ingredients do I need for BLT Chicken Salad?
To create a delicious BLT Chicken Salad, you will need several key ingredients. Start with cooked chicken breast, which can be grilled or roasted for added flavor. Next, choose crispy bacon to bring that classic BLT taste. For the “L”, add fresh lettuce; romaine or iceberg works best for crunch. For the “T”, include ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to incorporate creamy mayonnaise, which serves as the dressing, and season with salt and pepper to taste. You may also want to add extras like avocado or hard-boiled eggs for additional texture and nutrition. This blend of ingredients creates a satisfying meal that is both refreshing and hearty.
How can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?
Customizing your BLT Chicken Salad is simple and fun! You can start by swapping out the type of protein; consider using shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey for a twist. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to cut calories while adding protein. Adding different vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions can enhance the flavor profile and crunchiness of the salad. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, drizzle some hot sauce or add jalapeños. Finally, try various herbs such as dill or cilantro to give it a unique flair. The options are endless, allowing your creativity to shine.
Is BLT Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, BLT Chicken Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep! Its ingredients hold up well when stored in the refrigerator for a few days. To ensure freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and maintains the salad’s crispness. Portion out individual servings in airtight containers so you can easily grab a healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week. Additionally, you can double or triple the recipe to make enough servings for busy days ahead. Meal prepping your salads not only saves time but also helps you stick to healthier eating habits.
Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time is not only possible but also convenient for busy lifestyles. Prepare all your ingredients—cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, crispy bacon—then combine them in a large bowl without adding the dressing initially. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. When it’s time to eat, simply mix in your desired amount of mayonnaise and seasoning. This method keeps everything fresh and flavorful while making it easy to enjoy this dish throughout the week.
What are some serving suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad?
When serving your BLT Chicken Salad, there are many appealing options that can enhance your dining experience. You could enjoy it on its own as a light yet filling meal or serve it on top of a bed of mixed greens for added nutrition. Another popular option is placing it inside a sandwich or wrap using crusty bread or tortillas; this transforms it into an easy-to-eat lunch item ideal for picnics or packed lunches. Additionally, you could serve it alongside whole-grain crackers or pita chips for extra crunch and texture.
Is BLT Chicken Salad healthy?
BLT Chicken Salad can be quite healthy when made with nutritious ingredients! It provides lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from bacon and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you opt for that). Adding fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes contributes essential vitamins and minerals while keeping calories lower than traditional heavy salads. However, keep an eye on portion sizes—bacon can be high in saturated fat—and consider using turkey bacon or reducing its quantity if you’re watching your fat intake closely. Overall, it’s a balanced meal option that supports healthy eating habits.
Conclusion for BLT Chicken Salad :
In summary, preparing a delightful BLT Chicken Salad is both straightforward and rewarding. By combining cooked chicken breast with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, you create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Customization options abound; feel free to experiment with different proteins or add-ins like cucumbers or hard-boiled eggs based on your preferences. This salad is perfect not just for immediate enjoyment but also makes an excellent candidate for meal prep due to its longevity in storage when dressed properly at serving time.
Not only does this recipe cater well to various dietary needs but it also aligns easily with busy lifestyles while maintaining wholesome nutrition levels—a fantastic choice indeed!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
BLT Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines the classic flavors of a BLT with tender chicken. This easy-to-make salad features crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich filling, or on a bed of greens.
Ingredients
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Thick-cut bacon
– Ripe tomatoes (cherry or grape)
– Crisp lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
– Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
– Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
3. Chop the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomatoes. Chop the lettuce.
4. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice.
5. In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce; pour dressing over and toss gently.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For added crunch, consider including sunflower seeds or nuts. You can also customize the salad by adding avocado or swapping bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 30g