Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Easy BLT chicken salad is a quick dinner that rivals restaurant versions. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times. The trick is to cook the chicken just right. Crispy bacon and juicy chicken make this salad irresistible. Try my Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole next. Jump to Recipe If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Spinach Chicken Casserole and Easy Chicken Korma Recipe.
Why This Easy BLT Chicken Salad Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy bacon
- Juicy chicken
- Fresh lettuce
- Quick dinner
What You'll Need for Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: Chopped tomatoes
- Optional: Pickles
- Optional: Croutons
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breast: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy for best texture.
- Lettuce: Use fresh romaine for crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo for creaminess.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Digital Meat Thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked safely and perfectly → See on Amazon
- Non-Stick Skillet — Prevents chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy BLT Chicken Salad
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Step 3: Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with mayo and mustard.
- Step 5: Add cooked chicken and bacon. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy BLT Chicken Salad
- Cooking technique: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness.
- Common mistake and fix: Undercooked chicken can be slimy. Cook until it reaches 165°F.
- Texture tip: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Make up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge
Freezing Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Not recommended for best texture
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh romaine for the best crunch.
- Best substitution: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more mayo or dressing.
Want to level up this recipe?
Silicone Spatula — Mixes ingredients evenly without damaging bowls → Check price on Amazon
Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Optional Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Pickles
- Croutons
Instructions
- Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Step 3: Cook bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with mayo and mustard.
- Step 5: Add cooked chicken and bacon. Toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use fresh romaine for the best crunch.
- Best substitution: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare ingredients ahead and assemble just before serving.
- Scaling: Double the recipe for a larger group.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more mayo or dressing.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended for best texture
- Oven reheat: Reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in 30-second intervals
- Make ahead: Make up to 24 hours ahead and store in the fridge
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy BLT Chicken Salad FAQs
Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
If the chicken is overcooked, it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture may become slimy. Enjoy it fresh or store in the fridge.
Add extra mayo or use a different type of dressing. You can also add croutons or pickles for extra flavor.
You can cook the chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. The bacon can be cooked separately.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy BLT Chicken Salad and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
