Tasty BLT Chicken

Tender chicken meets crunchy bacon, plump tomatoes, and fresh veggies in this cool spin on everyone's sandwich favorite. This chicken BLT salad brings all the good stuff from the traditional sandwich into a protein-loaded, silky mix that's perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or wowing guests without breaking a sweat.

I came up with this salad while hunting for fun ways to use extra rotisserie chicken that would make my BLT-loving family happy. The first time I made it, my husband—who usually thinks salads are just rabbit food—grabbed seconds and asked to add it to our weekly meals. Something magical happens when you mix smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tasty chicken. It's now my go-to dish for family get-togethers since it always gets rave reviews and recipe requests.

Stellar Ingredient Choices

• Cooked Chicken: Gives you filling protein that soaks up other flavors while staying firm
• Crispy Bacon: Brings that must-have smoky snap that makes any BLT amazing
• Cherry Tomatoes: Add little pops of juicy sweetness and bright color
• Red Onion: Cuts through the creaminess with its zippy bite
• Celery: Adds a cool crunch and subtle green notes in every mouthful
• Mayonnaise: Works as the velvety base that pulls everything together
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds that must-have tartness to cut through the richness
• Garlic Powder: Gives savory flavor without the harsh kick of raw garlic
• Onion Powder: Boosts the fresh onion taste with a hint of sweetness
• Black Pepper: Brings mild warmth and extra flavor to the creamy mix

Crafting Delicious Results

Get Your Chicken Ready:

Begin with well-cooked chicken from a store rotisserie, leftover roast, or freshly cooked breasts. Cut or pull it into small, bite-sized chunks that mix well with other stuff and feel just right when you take a bite.

Make Super Crispy Bacon:

Cut raw bacon into tiny pieces and cook in a pan over medium heat until super crunchy. The small size spreads bacon taste throughout while keeping each bit crisp. Drain well on paper towels to get rid of extra fat that might make your salad too heavy.

Prep Your Veggies:

Cut cherry tomatoes in half to let their sweet juice mix into the salad. Chop red onion and celery into small, even pieces that spread nicely throughout. Taking time with your veggies makes sure every bite has balanced flavor and texture.

Mix Up A Tasty Dressing:

In a big bowl, stir together mayo, fresh lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. This simple but flavorful dressing makes the perfect creamy base that boosts rather than hides the main ingredients.

Mix Everything Gently:

Add your chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and celery to the dressing. Fold everything together softly until all pieces are coated but not mushy. This careful mixing keeps each ingredient distinct while making sure flavors spread evenly.

Let It Sit And Get Tastier:

Cover your salad and chill it for at least 30 minutes before eating. This resting time is key as it lets all the flavors mingle and develop, turning separate ingredients into one amazing dish. The salad actually tastes better after a while, so it's great to make ahead.

Serve It Up Nice:

Dish up the chilled salad on fresh lettuce, between bread slices, or wrapped in tortillas or lettuce leaves. This flexible dish works many ways to fit any meal from casual lunches to fancy dinner parties.

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My family really enjoys this salad during hot summer months when cool, protein-packed meals hit the spot. My husband likes his stuffed in a pita with extra lettuce, while my kids prefer it between toasted bread. I've found that throwing in a ripe avocado right before serving makes it extra special for fancy occasions.

I first made this for a summer cookout when regular mayo salads seemed too boring. The mix of favorite sandwich flavors in a cool, easy-to-carry form was such a hit that people tracked me down just to rave about it. It sits right in that sweet spot between familiar and new, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without getting too wild with the flavors.

Tasty Companions

This go-anywhere chicken salad works great with sides that make its fresh flavors pop. Try it with crunchy kettle chips that contrast the smooth salad while giving you something to scoop with. For a full meal, add a simple fruit salad with seasonal berries or melon to cleanse your palate between bites. When serving as a main dish, pair with chilled pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and herbs for the ultimate summer spread. For parties, place the salad on a platter surrounded by different breads, crackers, and raw veggies for a hands-on eating experience. If making sandwiches, throw in some pickle spears and extra veggies for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Fun Twists To Try

Play with this flexible salad by trying different ingredient combos while keeping the BLT vibe. Make a Southwest version by tossing in diced avocado, black beans, and using lime juice instead of lemon. For a Mediterranean feel, add crumbled feta, olives, and cucumbers with a sprinkle of oregano. Cut carbs by swapping some mayo with Greek yogurt and serving in lettuce cups instead of bread. During fall, throw in chopped apple and toasted walnuts for seasonal crunch and sweetness. Vegetarians can enjoy this concept with firm tofu chunks or smashed chickpeas replacing the chicken, keeping it protein-rich while skipping the meat.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep this make-ahead salad at its best with smart storage. Put the finished salad in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. For easy lunches, divide it into single portions in separate containers you can grab throughout the week. If planning to use in sandwiches, keep the salad separate from bread or wraps until eating time to avoid sogginess. When taking to picnics or potlucks, carry it in a chilled container with ice packs to keep it safe. For best flavor, let it sit out about 15 minutes before eating to take the edge off the cold, which lets all the tastes come through better.

I learned how handy this salad can be during a week-long blackout when cooking options were scarce but we still needed good food. The way it turns basic ingredients into something craveable without needing heat makes it perfect for tough times when cooking isn't easy. Beyond practical uses, there's something really satisfying about making a dish that brings beloved flavors together in new ways. Getting that familiar BLT taste in this unexpected form reminds me that cooking creativity often comes from rethinking classics rather than starting from scratch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will this BLT Chicken last in the fridge?

This dish keeps fresh in the fridge, sealed tightly, for about three days. The flavors get even better if you let it chill a few hours before eating, making it a great prep option.

→ What's a fast way to cook chicken for this?

Rotisserie chicken is easy and flavorful. If you'd rather, simmer chicken breasts in salted water for 15 minutes until done, or use leftover grilled pieces. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and diced or shredded.

→ Is this completely dairy-free?

Yep, it’s already dairy-free! Mayo gives the creaminess here, as it’s egg-based, not milk-based. But double-check your mayo label if you're really sensitive, just to be safe.

→ What are some easy serving ideas for this dish?

Serve it on lettuce for a lighter option, scoop it into avocados, wrap it in lettuce, or try making sandwiches or wraps with tortillas. It’s also fun as a dip with cucumber slices or red pepper strips.

→ Can I swap mayo for something else?

Absolutely! Try Greek yogurt for extra protein, mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy touch, or a vegan mayo for an eggless option. Each switch tweaks the flavor, but they all work well.