15-Minute BLT Chicken Salad Recipe That’s Irresistible

You know those days when you’re starving but don’t have time to cook? That’s when my BLT chicken salad swoops in like a superhero. I first threw this together one summer when my fridge was nearly empty—just some leftover chicken, half a pack of bacon, and a sad-looking head of romaine. But oh my gosh, the magic that happened when I tossed it all together with mayo and lemon juice! Now it’s my go-to for quick lunches, picnics, and those “oops, forgot to meal prep” moments. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken in every bite? Yes, please. And the best part? It comes together faster than you can say “takeout.”

Table of contents:

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad

Trust me, this salad is about to become your new obsession. Here’s why:

• Ready in 15 minutes flat – faster than waiting for delivery!
• The perfect flavor combo – smoky bacon, bright tomatoes, and creamy dressing that just works.
• Meal prep magic – tastes even better after chilling for a bit.
• Endlessly adaptable – throw in avocado, switch up the greens, or make it a sandwich.
• No cooking required (unless you count crisping the bacon, which is totally worth it).

It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. What’s not to love?

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed salad come together:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully here)
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (save that bacon grease!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweeter, the better)
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or more if you like it extra creamy)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – don’t skip this zingy touch!
• Salt and pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)

That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that make magic together. Now let’s get mixing.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Okay, let’s get to the fun part—making this glorious salad happen! I promise it’s so easy you’ll be tempted to make it twice a week. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness ready in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First things first—let’s get everything ready to go. Start by cooking your bacon until it’s nice and crispy (I bake mine at 400°F for about 15 minutes—less mess!). While that’s happening, shred your chicken—rotisserie chicken works like a charm here. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces and halve those sweet little cherry tomatoes. Now you’re all set!

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth. This bright, creamy dressing is what ties everything together. Taste it and adjust the lemon if you like a little more tang—I usually add an extra squeeze because I love that zesty kick!

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Now for the best part—dump all your prepped ingredients into a big bowl. Pour that luscious dressing over the top and gently toss everything together. You want every bit of chicken, bacon, and tomato to get coated, but don’t go wild—romaine bruises easily. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and either dig in right away or pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours to let those flavors really mingle.

Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad

Want to take your BLT chicken salad from good to “oh wow, can I have the recipe?” Here are my tried-and-true tricks:

• Rotisserie chicken is your friend – saves so much time and adds amazing flavor!
• Add avocado – creamy slices take this to next-level deliciousness.
• Toast your bread – if making a sandwich, crispy bread keeps things from getting soggy.
• Let it chill – 30 minutes in the fridge lets flavors marry beautifully.
• Go heavy on the pepper – trust me, it makes the bacon pop!

Little touches make all the difference with this simple salad. Now go forth and make magic!

Serving Suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad

Oh, the possibilities with this BLT chicken salad! My favorite way? Piled high on toasted sourdough with extra mayo – classic perfection. But that’s just the beginning. Try it:

• As a wrap – spread on a tortilla with avocado and roll it up tight
• Over greens – turn it into a hearty salad bowl
• In lettuce cups – for a fresh, low-carb option
• With crackers – perfect for easy snacking

However you serve it, those BLT flavors shine through. My kids even eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon – no complaints here!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s the deal with leftovers (if you even have any!): This BLT chicken salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 2 days when stored in an airtight container. That lettuce might soften a bit, but the flavors just get better. Word to the wise—don’t freeze it unless you want sad, soggy results. Since everything’s already cooked, just pull it straight from the fridge when you’re ready for round two. I often sneak forkfuls cold from the container—no shame!

BLT Chicken Salad Variations

Listen, I love the classic version, but sometimes you gotta shake things up! Here are my favorite ways to play with this salad:

• Turkey BLT – swap chicken for leftover Thanksgiving turkey (hello, day-after sandwich!)
• Blue cheese twist – crumble in some tangy blue cheese with the bacon
• Lighter dressing – use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for extra protein
• Spicy kick – add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
• Mediterranean vibe – toss in chopped kalamata olives and feta

The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings. Mix and match to your heart’s content!

Nutritional Information for BLT Chicken Salad

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (about 1 cup): Around 320 calories, 22g of that good fat (thank you, mayo and bacon!), and a solid 25g of protein to keep you full. The carbs stay low at just 6g, making this a great option when you’re watching those. Remember – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients, like if you go wild with extra bacon (no judgment here!). But overall? It’s a tasty, balanced meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

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Final Thoughts

There you have it—my ultimate BLT chicken salad that never fails to delight. Give it a whirl this week and tag me with your creations! Nothing makes me happier than seeing you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.

FAQs About BLT Chicken Salad