BLT Chicken Salad with Bacon, Chicken, and Tomatoes

This BLT Chicken Salad brings together the familiar flavors of a classic BLT sandwich with tender chopped chicken for a filling, creamy, and refreshing meal. It is made with cooked chicken, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, celery, red onion, and a simple mayonnaise-based dressing with lemon juice and seasonings.

What Is BLT Chicken Salad?

BLT Chicken Salad is a hearty twist on the traditional bacon, lettuce, and tomato combination. Instead of serving the ingredients between slices of bread, this version mixes them with cooked chicken and a creamy dressing. The result is a protein-rich salad that works well for lunch, dinner, meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

To make this easy chicken salad, you will need simple ingredients that create a good balance of creamy, crisp, savory, and fresh flavors.

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, baked chicken, or poached chicken.
  • 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp: Bacon adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These bring freshness and a little natural sweetness.
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced: Red onion gives the salad a mild sharpness.
  • 2 stalks celery, diced: Celery adds crunch and keeps the salad from feeling too heavy.
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise: This creates the creamy base of the dressing.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Helps bring out the flavor of the ingredients.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild warmth.

Easy Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, so you can adjust it depending on what you have on hand or how you prefer to eat it.

  • Chicken: Swap chicken for turkey if you want a slightly different flavor.
  • Bacon: Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as an alternative.
  • Mayonnaise: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado.
  • Tomatoes: Try grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Onion: Use green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
  • Add-ins: Avocado, hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs can make the salad even more filling.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

This recipe comes together quickly once the chicken and bacon are cooked. Chilling the salad before serving helps the flavors blend, but it can also be served right away.

  1. Prepare the chicken: If using raw chicken, bake, grill, or boil it until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then chop it into bite-size pieces.
  2. Cook the bacon: Dice the bacon and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to remove extra grease.
  3. Chop the vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the celery, and finely chop the red onion.
  4. Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  5. Combine everything: Add the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and celery to the bowl. Toss until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Chill before serving: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes.

How to Cook Chicken for This Salad

If you are not using leftover or rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts are a simple option. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest briefly before chopping so it stays juicy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the chicken: Dry chicken can make the salad less enjoyable, so check the temperature carefully.
  • Using watery vegetables: Pat tomatoes and celery dry if needed to keep the dressing from becoming thin.
  • Skipping the chill time: A short rest in the refrigerator improves the flavor and texture.
  • Adding too much dressing: Start with the suggested amount, then adjust only if needed.

Serving Ideas

BLT Chicken Salad can be served in several easy ways. Spoon it over crisp lettuce for a light meal, tuck it into sandwich bread, roll it in a tortilla, or serve it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. For a party or meal prep, you can also layer it in mason jars or plate it individually with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge.

Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh, good-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Let the salad chill before serving when possible.
  • Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Category: Salad

Method: Mixing

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced small
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped chicken, cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery in a large bowl.
  2. In a separate small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Serve right away, or refrigerate for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.

Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken works well for a faster version.
  • You can also poach chicken breasts, let them cool, and then chop or shred them.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving: 420 calories, 32g fat, 6g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 25g protein, 2g sugar, 950mg sodium, and 110mg cholesterol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare it up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use canned chicken?

Fresh, leftover, or rotisserie chicken gives the best texture, but canned chicken can work if it is drained well.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure any substitutions or add-ins you use are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad is creamy, savory, fresh, and easy to prepare. With cooked chicken, crisp bacon, tomatoes, celery, red onion, and a simple seasoned dressing, it is a practical recipe for quick lunches, light dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.