BLT Chicken Salad

Why This BLT Chicken Salad Will Steal Your Lunchtime Heart

Let’s be real—lunchtime can get a little meh. That same soggy sandwich or mystery leftovers? No thanks. Enter: BLT Chicken Salad, the flavor-packed, protein-rich game-changer that’ll have you actually looking forward to your break. It’s got all the classics you love—bacon, lettuce (in spirit via celery!), and juicy tomatoes—wrapped up in creamy, tangy dressing and paired with hearty chunks of chicken.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a light lunch with the girls, or just trying to get something actually good on the table in 20 minutes, this salad has your back. It’s fresh, fast, and delicious—and yep, totally husband- and kid-approved.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad

This is more than just a salad. It’s comfort food meets convenience with a punch of flavor. Here’s what makes this dish irresistible:

• Hearty but light – All the protein, none of the post-meal sluggishness.
• Meal prep MVP – It holds up beautifully in the fridge, so tomorrow’s lunch? Already handled.
• Crowd-pleaser – It’s like everyone’s favorite sandwich got a glow-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might already have most of these hanging out in your fridge:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie works wonders!)
• 1 lb bacon, diced and cooked until perfectly crisp
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for juicy bursts
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (our lettuce stand-in for crunch)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light mayo works beautifully here)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad (Without Breaking a Sweat)

If you can stir, you can make this salad. Seriously.

Step 1: Crisp that bacon.

Dice your bacon first—it cooks quicker and evenly this way. Add it to a preheated skillet and stir occasionally until golden and crispy. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and drain it on a paper towel. Try not to eat half of it while you cook. (No judgment if you do.)

Step 2: Whip up the dressing.

In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste test (a chef’s right!) and adjust the seasoning if needed—but remember the bacon will add a salty punch, too.

Step 3: Toss and chill.

In a big bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, onion, celery, and that dreamy dressing. Give it a good mix so everything’s coated. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips for the Tastiest BLT Chicken Salad

• Bacon matters – Cook it low and slow for maximum crisp without burning.
• Rotisserie shortcut – Don’t feel like cooking chicken? Rotisserie chicken is your best friend.
• Let it sit – Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. It’s even better the next day!
• Serving ideas – Scoop it onto a toasted bun, serve it in lettuce cups, or stuff it into a wrap. Heck, eat it straight from the bowl while hiding from your kids. No judgment.

My Go-To Summer Lunch

This BLT Chicken Salad recipe came to life after a too-hot-to-cook summer afternoon when I just couldn’t bring myself to turn on the oven. I threw together some leftover chicken, crisped up bacon, and added the usual BLT suspects—and bam, magic. Now it’s on repeat in my kitchen all year long. It’s also become the thing my friends ask me to bring to brunches or potlucks. And trust me, there’s never a spoonful left.

FAQs About BLT Chicken Salad

Conclusion

When you need something quick, fresh, and just downright satisfying, BLT Chicken Salad is the answer. It’s easy enough for a weekday lunch but impressive enough to bring to a potluck. Trust me—once you try it, it’s going straight into your regular meal rotation.

Hungry yet? Let’s make magic in your kitchen, one bowl of BLT goodness at a time.

More Chicken Magic to Explore

Loved this BLT Chicken Salad? Your next favorite dish might be just a click away! Here are some hand-picked recipes that pair beautifully with the fresh, bold flavors of this salad—or offer a fun new twist on chicken for your weekly rotation.

• Craving something warm and comforting? Try the creamy goodness of Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. They’re quick, crispy, and absolutely craveable—perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
• Want to stick with the salad theme but shake things up? Our vibrant Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Dijon is another protein-packed option that’s just as filling and flavorful.
• If you’re in the mood for something sweet and smoky, the Sweet and Smoky Garlic Bacon Chicken brings bold, bacon-forward flavor—kind of like this salad’s hearty cousin!
• And for a delicious one-pan dinner that keeps the cleanup low and the flavor high, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes is a total winner.

Explore these recipes next and keep the chicken magic going—because your taste buds deserve it!

BLT Chicken Salad

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• Author: Aneta
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This BLT Chicken Salad is the ultimate twist on a classic favorite. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy tangy dressing, it’s quick to prep, perfect for meal prep, and always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy it in a bowl, wrap, or sandwich!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped

• 1 lb bacon, diced and cooked until crisp

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced

• 2 stalks celery, diced

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light mayo works great)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook the bacon – Dice the bacon and cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

2. Make the dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. Mix it all up – In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bacon, tomatoes, red onion, celery, and dressing. Stir until everything is well coated.

4. Serve & enjoy – Chill if desired, then serve in a bowl, lettuce wrap, sandwich, or on toast.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

• This salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes.

• Serve in croissants, wraps, lettuce cups, or with crackers!

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 385 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg