Name: The Ultimate BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 12 slices bacon; 1 large red onion, chopped; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 bunch scallions, chopped; 1/2 cup light mayo; 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; (For poaching: 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp peppercorns, 2 cloves garlic, 2 bay leaves)

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Why This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for BLT Chicken Salad

How to Make this BLT Chicken Salad

Serving and Storage Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

Mistakes to Avoid When Making BLT Chicken Salad

Suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad

Conclusion

Transform the classic sandwich into a protein-packed meal with this irresistible BLT chicken salad recipe. Combining the beloved flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with tender chicken, this dish takes a lunchtime favorite to new heights. The BLT chicken salad strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh—creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd at your next gathering, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

Why This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe Works

The brilliance of this BLT chicken salad lies in its thoughtful combination of flavors and textures that work harmoniously together. The perfectly poached chicken provides a tender protein base that absorbs the creamy dressing beautifully. By roasting the bacon and onions together, you’re not only saving time but also infusing the onions with smoky bacon flavor.

The dressing strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and lightness by combining mayo with Greek yogurt, creating a creamy texture with less fat and added protein. The apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with just the right amount of acidity, while the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth of flavor without overpowering the BLT elements.

The addition of fresh cherry tomatoes and scallions brings brightness, color, and a burst of freshness that elevates this BLT chicken salad beyond a basic recipe. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh elements that make the classic BLT sandwich so beloved, but in a more nutritious and versatile form.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of flavors with savory bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken
High in protein and satisfyingly filling for lunch or dinner
Make-ahead friendly for easy meal prep throughout the week
Versatile serving options – enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, on greens, or with crackers
Lightened-up with Greek yogurt while maintaining creamy texture and rich flavor
Simple preparation with everyday ingredients you likely already have

What You’ll Need for BLT Chicken Salad

Ingredients

For the Salad:

6 cups cooked chicken, chopped (from about 2-3 lbs raw chicken breast)
12 pieces center cut bacon
1 large red onion, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bunch scallions, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup light mayo
3/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For Poaching Chicken:

2-3 lbs chicken breast
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon peppercorns
2 cloves garlic
2 dried bay leaves

Tools

Large pot for poaching chicken
Baking sheet for roasting bacon and onions
Large mixing bowl
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Cooking spray
Storage containers (if meal prepping)

How to Make this BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Place the raw chicken breasts in a large pot and add the kosher salt, dried bay leaves, garlic cloves, and peppercorns. Cover completely with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and set aside to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon and Onions

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Arrange the bacon strips on one side of a baking sheet. Chop the red onion and spread it on the other side of the sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the onions are softened and slightly caramelized.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the light mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the chopped chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, and roasted onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Add the Bacon

Chop or crumble the crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces. Fold the bacon pieces into the BLT chicken salad mixture, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the BLT chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with additional bacon bits and chopped scallions if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

Serving Tips

This versatile BLT chicken salad can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

Classic Sandwich: Spread between two slices of toasted bread with additional lettuce for extra crunch.
Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Stuffed Avocados: Fill halved avocados with the BLT chicken salad for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
On a Bed of Greens: Serve over mixed greens or spinach for a complete salad experience.
Pita Pocket: Stuff into warm pita bread with extra veggies for a handheld meal.
Dip: Serve with crackers, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips as an appetizer.

Storage Guidelines:

Store your BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve after the first day as they have time to develop. This salad is not suitable for freezing as the mayo-based dressing may separate upon thawing, and the vegetables would lose their crispness.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making BLT Chicken Salad

Even though this BLT chicken salad recipe is simple and straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the chicken
Dry, rubbery chicken can ruin the texture of your salad. Be sure to poach the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, then remove it from the heat to avoid drying it out.

2. Adding hot ingredients to the dressing
Warm chicken or freshly cooked bacon can cause the creamy dressing to separate or become oily. Always allow cooked ingredients to cool completely before mixing them with the dressing.

3. Not seasoning the dressing enough
The dressing is what ties the flavors together. Taste it before adding it to the salad and adjust with a pinch of salt, a dash more vinegar, or extra spices as needed.

4. Mixing in tomatoes too early
Tomatoes release moisture over time, which can make the salad watery if stored. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, wait to add the tomatoes until just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

5. Skipping the bacon-onion roasting step
Roasting the bacon and onions together enhances their flavor and texture. If you skip this and cook them separately, you lose out on the delicious smoky caramelized notes that really elevate the salad.

Avoiding these small mistakes will ensure your BLT chicken salad turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced every time!

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You Must Know

Don’t overcook the chicken—dry chicken will make for a disappointing salad. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the poaching liquid as soon as it reaches 165°F.
Avoid adding hot ingredients to the mayo-yogurt dressing, which can cause separation. Make sure the chicken and bacon have cooled before incorporating them.
Don’t skimp on seasoning the dressing—taste and adjust before adding your other ingredients.
Never prepare this salad too far in advance with tomatoes mixed in, as they can make the salad watery over time. Consider adding tomatoes just before serving if making ahead.

Suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad

The beauty of this BLT chicken salad recipe is its adaptability. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Mediterranean BLT Chicken Salad: Add kalamata olives, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and a teaspoon of dried oregano to the base recipe.

Southwest BLT Chicken Salad: Incorporate black beans, corn, diced avocado, cilantro, and a teaspoon of cumin to the mix. Replace some of the mayo with mashed avocado for creaminess.

Caprese BLT Chicken Salad: Add fresh mozzarella pearls, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an Italian twist. Use multicolored cherry tomatoes for visual appeal.

Curry BLT Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder, diced apple, raisins, and cashews for a sweet and savory version with an international flair.

Ranch BLT Chicken Salad: Replace the seasoning in the dressing with ranch seasoning mix for a familiar flavor profile that everyone loves.

Cobb BLT Chicken Salad: Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and blue cheese crumbles to transform your BLT chicken salad into a hearty cobb-inspired dish.

For a lighter version, you can replace the mayo entirely with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado, though this will change the flavor profile slightly. If you prefer a different protein, turkey works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Save time by using rotisserie chicken instead of poaching your own—simply shred or chop about 6 cups worth.
For extra flavor, cook the bacon until just crisp but not burnt to ensure the best smoky flavor in your salad.
Pat dry your halved tomatoes with a paper towel before adding them to the salad to prevent excess moisture.
Toast the spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder) in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the dressing for enhanced flavor.
For a tangier dressing, add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

FAQs:

Can I make BLT chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, BLT chicken salad can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. For the best results, mix all ingredients except the bacon and tomatoes, then fold those in just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent the salad from becoming watery.

What can I substitute for mayo in BLT chicken salad?

You can substitute the mayo with additional Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, hummus, or even a dairy-free mayo alternative. Each will provide a different flavor profile but will still deliver creaminess to the salad.

Is BLT chicken salad keto-friendly?

Yes, BLT chicken salad is generally keto-friendly as it’s high in protein and fat while being low in carbs. To make it even more keto-appropriate, you can increase the amount of bacon and use full-fat mayo instead of light mayo.

How long does BLT chicken salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, BLT chicken salad stays fresh for 3-4 days. After this time, the vegetables may begin to release water and the texture can deteriorate.

Can I freeze BLT chicken salad?

Freezing BLT chicken salad is not recommended. Mayo-based dressings tend to separate when frozen and thawed, and the vegetables will become mushy, significantly affecting the texture and appeal of the salad.

What's the best bread to use for a BLT chicken salad sandwich?

Hearty breads like sourdough, whole grain, or ciabatta work best for BLT chicken salad sandwiches as they hold up well to the moisture in the salad. Toasting the bread first provides extra stability and a delightful textural contrast.

Conclusion

This BLT chicken salad recipe brilliantly transforms the classic sandwich into a versatile, protein-rich dish that works for any meal. With its perfect balance of creamy dressing, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken, it delivers the beloved BLT flavor profile in a more nutritious package.

What makes this recipe special is its adaptability—serve it on bread, in a wrap, over greens, or straight from the bowl for a satisfying meal that pleases everyone from picky eaters to health-conscious diners. The combination of light mayo and Greek yogurt creates a dressing that’s creamy without being heavy, while the roasted bacon and onions add depth of flavor that elevates this dish above ordinary chicken salad recipes.

Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays, preparing lunch for a gathering, or looking for a protein-packed dinner option, this BLT chicken salad recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation. Give it a try, experiment with the suggested variations, and make this dish your own!

Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our Ultimate Chicken Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite for another satisfying chicken dish, or try our 10-Minute Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for a quick seafood option.

For more BLT-inspired recipes, you might enjoy this classic BLT Salad Recipe from Allrecipes or Food Network’s Italian BLT Chicken Salad Recipe for a unique twist. Happy cooking!