Amazing BLT Chicken Salad in 3 Easy Steps

Oh my goodness, if you love a classic BLT sandwich as much as I do, you are going to flip for this BLT Chicken Salad! Seriously, it’s like taking all those amazing, craveable flavors – the smoky bacon, the crisp lettuce, the juicy tomato – and putting them into the easiest, most satisfying chicken salad ever. I remember the first time I tried combining these flavors, it was a total game-changer for quick lunches. It’s just such a fun, fresh twist on the everyday!

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad

Seriously, this BLT Chicken Salad is a total winner for so many reasons:

• Super Easy to Make: From start to finish, it takes hardly any time at all. Perfect for when hunger strikes fast!
• Packed with Flavor: You get that unmistakable BLT combo – salty bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy dressing – all in one delicious bite. Yum!
• So Versatile: Eat it on lettuce, stuff it into sandwiches, pile it into crackers… it’s great however you serve it.
• A Quick Lunch Hero: Skip the boring sandwiches! This is your new go-to for a satisfying and speedy lunch.

Ingredients for Your Perfect BLT Chicken Salad

Okay, getting the perfect BLT Chicken Salad is all about using the right stuff! Don’t worry, nothing too fancy here. You’ll want about 2 cups of cooked chicken, and I like to shred it myself rather than buying it pre-shredded – it just has a better texture, trust me. Then comes the BLT magic: 4 slices of bacon, cooked until they’re good and crispy and crumbled up. The bacon is *key* for that smoky, salty punch that makes this chicken salad sing! We’ll also need about half a cup of mayo for creaminess, a quarter cup of celery and 2 tablespoons of red onion, both finely chopped for that essential crunch and bite. A little Dijon mustard and a splash of lemon juice wake everything up, and of course, salt and pepper to taste. Simple, right?

Crafting Your Delicious BLT Chicken Salad

Alright, let’s get this delicious BLT Chicken Salad party started! It’s honestly a breeze, and the most important thing is to be gentle with the chicken so it doesn’t turn into mush. We want nice little shreds! Think of it like gently folding ingredients together to keep that fresh, vibrant texture. It’s super satisfying to see it all come together!

Combining the Core BLT Chicken Salad Ingredients

First things first, grab a good-sized bowl. Pop in your shredded chicken and all that yummy crumbled bacon. Add your mayonnaise, the finely chopped celery and red onion – I really mean *finely* chopped, so you get that nice crunch in every bite. Then, drizzle in that Dijon mustard and the lemon juice. Give it all a good stir, but, and this is my big tip, stir gently! You don’t want to mash everything together; you want to keep some of those chicken shreds and bacon bits distinct. Just mix until everything looks happy and combined. It’s kind of like when I make my bacon avocado chicken salad; the key is not overworking it!

Seasoning and Finishing Your BLT Chicken Salad

Now for the fun part – making it taste *just right*. Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy! But here’s the secret: taste it! Seriously, grab a small spoon, take a little bit, and see if it needs more salt, a bit more pepper, maybe even another tiny squeeze of lemon if you like it zesty. Adjust it until it’s perfect for YOU. This is your BLT Chicken Salad after all! Once it tastes amazing, you’re pretty much done. So easy, right?

Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad

Honestly, making this BLT Chicken Salad is pretty foolproof, but there are a few little things I’ve learned over the years that really make it sing. It’s all about those little touches! Making sure your bacon is nice and crisp is super important – no one wants soggy bacon in their chicken salad, right? I usually bake mine right on a sheet pan so it gets evenly crispy. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver if you’re short on time, but cooking some chicken breasts yourself and shredding them is great too. Just make sure it’s fully cooked! I often find when I’m making something like this honey hot chicken salad, the quality of the starting ingredients really makes a difference. And don’t be afraid to really taste and adjust your seasonings; that’s how you get that perfect BLT flavor balance!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for BLT Chicken Salad

You know, the beauty of a really good chicken salad, like this BLT Chicken Salad, is how adaptable it can be! While I absolutely adore using full-fat mayonnaise for that classic creamy texture – it really lets the BLT flavors shine – I know some folks like to lighten it up. Greek yogurt is a fantastic swap! Just mix about half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt, or go full yogurt if you prefer. It gives it a little tang, which is pretty darn good too! If you’re trying to boost the protein, like in my high-protein southwest chicken salad, using chicken breast is your best bet. Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch, but sometimes it can be a little drier. And for the bacon? Well, you *could* try a smoky plant-based bacon, but honestly, classic crispy pork bacon is really what makes this taste like a BLT!

Serving and Storing Your BLT Chicken Salad

Alright, now that you’ve got this glorious BLT Chicken Salad all mixed up, the fun part is figuring out how to eat it! My absolute favorite way is definitely on crisp lettuce leaves, along with a juicy slice or two of fresh tomato. It’s like a mini BLT in salad form! Sometimes, though, I’ll just grab some crackers and eat it with a spoon straight from the bowl – no judgment here! You can also absolutely stuff it into your favorite sandwiches or even pile it onto toast. It’s super versatile. Like my ground beef lettuce wraps, it’s just so good in a lettuce cup when you want something lighter. For storing, just pop any leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps perfectly for about 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, which is pretty darn delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions about BLT Chicken Salad

Got questions about my famous BLT Chicken Salad? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those recipes people always ask about because it’s just so good and easy.

Can I make BLT chicken salad ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! This is one of my favorite things about it. You can totally whip up this BLT Chicken Salad a day or two in advance. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day because all those yummy flavors have more time to hang out together and really get to know each other. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge!

What kind of chicken is best for BLT chicken salad?

For the absolute best texture and flavor in this BLT Chicken Salad, I really prefer using chicken that I’ve cooked myself and then shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, for sure, but sometimes it can be a little dry. Poaching some chicken breasts or even using leftover roast chicken works perfectly! Just make sure it’s cooled down before you shred it and mix everything together.

How long does BLT chicken salad last in the fridge?

Brought to you by the magic of mayo and bacon, this BLT Chicken Salad will keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s stored in a sealed container. I haven’t had it last much longer than that in my house because it gets gobbled up so fast!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this amazing BLT Chicken Salad is an estimate, okay? It really depends on the exact brands you use and how much of everything you pack in. But generally, you’re looking at around 450 calories per serving, with about 30g of fat and a fantastic 35g of protein thanks to all that chicken and bacon!

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