Table of Contents

• Reasons to Love This Creamy BLT Chicken Salad
• Ingredients You’ll Need
• How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
• Expert Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad
• Easy Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing Leftovers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More Chicken Salad Recipes
• BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Reasons to Love This Creamy BLT Chicken Salad

This BLT Chicken Salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s a culinary hero in disguise, offering a multitude of reasons why it deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

• It’s Ready in Minutes: Life is busy, and sometimes you need a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is your answer! With pre-cooked chicken and a few quick chops, you can whip up this entire salad in 15 minutes or even less. Simply combine your prepared ingredients, whisk together the dressing, and toss everything until perfectly coated. It’s the ultimate speedy solution for a satisfying meal.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals & Meal Prep: One of the greatest advantages of this BLT chicken salad is its fantastic make-ahead potential. I frequently prepare a generous batch over the weekend, allowing me to enjoy effortless, delicious lunches throughout the busy work week. It’s also an ideal candidate for picnics, potlucks, and any gathering where you need a tasty dish that travels well and tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Prep it once, enjoy it multiple times!
• Packed with Classic BLT Flavors: If you adore the timeless combination of savory, salty bacon, fresh juicy tomatoes, and a rich, creamy dressing that defines a classic BLT, then preparing it in a chicken salad format will absolutely thrill your taste buds. This recipe captures all those beloved elements, ensuring every spoonful is an explosion of familiar, comforting flavors you crave.
• Incredibly Customizable and Versatile: While the name “BLT chicken salad” might imply lettuce, this particular version cleverly incorporates the essence of the BLT without necessarily including the leafy green directly in the mix. However, its versatility is unmatched! You can effortlessly serve it atop your favorite crisp salad greens for a lighter meal, spoon it into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or transform it into a convenient wrap for an on-the-go lunch. Beyond serving styles, it’s a wonderful canvas for your favorite additions. Feel free to adapt it with extra spices, a variety of vegetables, or fresh herbs like dill or chives to truly make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this delicious BLT Chicken Salad requires a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, most of which you’ll recognize if you’ve ever assembled a classic BLT. Below, I’ve provided detailed notes on each key component to help you achieve the best flavor and texture. For the complete, printable list with precise amounts, please scroll down to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Chicken: The foundation of our salad! You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked and shredded chicken. This is incredibly versatile – feel free to use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal (such as a whole chicken or perfectly cooked chicken breast). For ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an absolute game-changer, making prep even faster. Simply shred it using two forks or even your hands.
• Bacon: No BLT is complete without the crispy, salty goodness of bacon! I typically prepare a quick batch of air fryer bacon for maximum crispness and minimal mess, then crumble it into delicious pieces. You can use thick-cut bacon, streaky bacon, or any variety you prefer. Ensure it’s cooked until beautifully crisp, as this adds a crucial textural contrast to the creamy salad.
• Tomatoes: For that essential juicy, fresh element. I personally favor sweet cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, as their sweetness and bite-sized nature are perfect. However, if you have larger varieties like Roma or heirloom tomatoes, simply dice them into small, manageable pieces.
• Red Onion: This adds a crisp texture and a mild, piquant flavor that brightens the entire dish. Red onions are generally sweeter than yellow onions. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in ice water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry, to mellow its sharpness. Another sweet option is Vidalia onion.
• Fresh Parsley: A pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor and vibrant green color. Always opt for freshly chopped parsley as dried herbs won’t provide the same brightness. Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley or curly parsley both work wonderfully.

For the Creamy Dressing

The dressing is what brings this BLT chicken salad together, imparting its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor profile. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our dressing. Use your favorite brand of full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor. For a lighter or no-mayo option, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, though this will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred here, as it adds a bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayo and bacon. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh provides a superior flavor.
• Garlic: A single minced fresh garlic clove infuses the dressing with a wonderful aromatic depth. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, adjusting to your taste preference.
• Dijon Mustard: This provides a subtle tang and a hint of spice, elevating the overall flavor of the dressing. Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute if you prefer a milder, more classic mustard flavor.
• Seasonings: A simple blend of onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices enhance the savory notes of the chicken and bacon, while paprika adds a touch of subtle warmth and color. Feel free to adjust the quantities of salt and pepper to your personal preference after an initial taste test.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

One of the many reasons to adore chicken salad recipes is their remarkable speed and consistent satisfaction. This BLT chicken salad is no exception, coming together in just two incredibly easy steps. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic meal with minimal effort! You’ll find the complete, printable recipe with precise measurements and detailed instructions in the recipe card conveniently located below this post.

• Step 1: Whisk the Dressing to Perfection. In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients for the creamy dressing: mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps of mayonnaise or mustard for a truly silky consistency.
• Step 2: Combine and Toss for Flavor Fusion. In a much larger mixing bowl, add your prepared shredded chicken, crumbled crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and fresh chopped parsley. Pour the freshly prepared creamy dressing evenly over all the ingredients. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until every piece of chicken, bacon, and vegetable is beautifully coated in the dressing. Be gentle to avoid mashing the tomatoes. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the BLT chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive taste.

Expert Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad

To ensure your BLT Chicken Salad is always a resounding success, consider these expert tips that can elevate your dish from great to extraordinary:

• Chill Time is Key: While tempting to serve immediately, allowing the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) before serving makes a significant difference. This resting period allows all the flavors from the chicken, bacon, vegetables, and dressing to meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious taste experience.
• Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The texture of your chicken greatly impacts the salad. Aim for tender, juicy shredded chicken. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry and tough results. If using rotisserie chicken, ensure it’s still moist. For homemade shredded chicken, boiling or baking chicken breasts until just cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) before shredding will yield the best results.
• Crispy Bacon is a Must: The “B” in BLT demands crispy bacon. Soggy bacon will detract from the experience. Whether you cook it in the oven, air fryer, or stovetop, make sure it’s cooked until golden brown and perfectly crisp. Drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease before crumbling.
• Freshness of Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients shines through in a simple salad like this. Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp red onion, and vibrant fresh parsley. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic also make a noticeable difference compared to their bottled or powdered counterparts.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing and the final mixed salad before serving. You might find you want a little more salt, pepper, a touch more lemon juice for brightness, or even a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Adjust seasonings to your personal preference.

Easy Variations

This creamy BLT chicken salad is wonderfully adaptable, offering numerous ways to customize its ingredients and flavor profile to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are just a few ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Explore Different Dressings: While our Dijon mayo dressing perfectly mimics classic BLT flavors, don’t hesitate to get adventurous! Swap it out for a homemade ranch dressing for a herbaceous twist, a tangy Caesar salad dressing, or even a sweet and savory Thousand Island dressing for a completely different flavor experience.
• Bulk It Up with Legumes: For a heartier salad or to extend servings, consider adding drained and rinsed canned chickpeas. This variation is similar to my chickpea chicken salad and adds a wonderful texture and plant-based protein boost to this bacon and tomato chicken salad.
• Turn Up the Heat: If you love a little spice, it’s easy to give your BLT chicken salad a kick! Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the dressing. For a fresher heat, add finely diced jalapeño slices (seeds removed for less intensity). You could also season your chicken with Cajun seasoning while cooking, or simply mix a dash of your favorite chili sauce, like Sriracha, into the dressing.
• More Exciting Add-ins: The possibilities are endless! Replace cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped) for a more intense, savory tomato flavor. Consider adding creamy diced avocado just before serving, halved red or green grapes for a touch of sweetness, diced or shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for extra richness, or different fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill for varied aromatic notes. Even finely diced celery or bell peppers can add extra crunch and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this BLT chicken salad lies in its incredible versatility. There are countless delicious ways to enjoy it, making it perfect for any meal or occasion:

• Classic Sandwich: My personal favorite way to serve this is piled high between two slices of soft, fluffy rolls or on toasted slices of homemade bread. It’s truly the best of both worlds – the satisfying heartiness of a chicken salad sandwich combined with the irresistible flavors of a BLT.
• Delicious Wraps: For a portable and easy lunch, spoon the chicken salad into large tortillas or lettuce wraps and roll them up tightly. This is perfect for meal prep or a quick bite on the go.
• Light & Fresh Salad: Transform it into a lighter meal by spooning generous dollops of the chicken salad over a bed of crisp, fresh greens like romaine, spinach, or mixed spring lettuce. It’s similar to my BLT salad but with the added richness of chicken.
• Creative Pairings:
  • With Bread/Crackers: Serve it alongside crusty bread, toasted baguette slices, or your favorite crackers for a simple yet elegant appetizer or light meal.
  • Stuffed Veggies: For a low-carb option, stuff bell pepper halves, hollowed-out cucumbers, or avocado halves with the chicken salad.
  • Sides for Sandwiches/Wraps: Pair your sandwich or wrap with classic sides like a vibrant quinoa salad, a comforting potato salad, or simply a handful of crunchy potato chips for that extra satisfying crunch.
  • Fruit & Veggies: For a refreshing and balanced lunch, serve it with a simple tossed salad, crunchy carrot sticks, or colorful fruit skewers.

Storing Leftovers

One of the many benefits of this BLT chicken salad is how well it stores, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping and enjoying throughout the week. To ensure maximum freshness and safety:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover BLT chicken salad should be stored promptly in an airtight container. Place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The airtight container prevents air exposure, which can dry out the chicken and compromise the flavors.
• Meal Prep Perfection: This makes it ideal for preparing on a Sunday and packing into individual containers for easy, grab-and-go lunches during your busy work week. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as some liquid may separate.
• Revamping Leftovers: If you’re looking for a creative way to transform leftovers, consider turning them into a BLT pasta salad. It’s incredibly simple: just combine your leftover chicken salad with your favorite cooked pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or macaroni) and, if needed, add a little extra dressing to reach your desired consistency. You might want to add a splash of milk or a bit more mayo if the salad has thickened in the fridge.
• Freezing is Not Recommended: Due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and the fresh vegetables (especially tomatoes and red onion), this chicken salad does not freeze well. The mayonnaise will separate and become watery upon thawing, and the vegetables will lose their crisp texture, becoming mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge within the recommended storage period.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?
  No, this recipe specifically calls for cooked and shredded chicken. You’ll need to cook your chicken (by boiling, baking, or using a rotisserie chicken) before shredding it and adding it to the salad.
• How long does BLT chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
  When stored in an airtight container, your BLT chicken salad will last safely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within this timeframe for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Can I make this salad dairy-free?
  Yes, absolutely! The main dairy component would typically be in Greek yogurt or sour cream if used as a mayonnaise substitute. If you’re using traditional mayonnaise, it is generally dairy-free (check labels for specific brands). For a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative, consider a high-quality vegan mayonnaise.
• What’s the best way to cook bacon for this salad?
  For the crispiest, easiest bacon, I highly recommend cooking it in an air fryer or baking it in the oven on a foil-lined sheet. Both methods result in evenly cooked, perfectly crisp bacon with less mess than stovetop frying.
• What kind of chicken is best for shredding?
  Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for shredding. You can boil them, bake them, or poach them until tender. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is also an excellent, time-saving option as it’s already cooked and perfectly seasoned.

More Delicious Chicken Salad Recipes to Try

If you’ve enjoyed this BLT Chicken Salad, you’re sure to love these other fantastic chicken salad variations:

• Southwest Chicken Salad
• Chicken Salad With Grapes
• Curry Chicken Salad
• Avocado Chicken Salad