Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, this BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich. It brings together the savory notes of crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken, all coated in a creamy, smoky dressing.

Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or whipping up a quick dish for lunch, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and so easy to make. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent while still being light enough to enjoy anytime.

Trust me, you’re going to love every bite! You can also enjoy a classic chicken salad recipe for a timeless option.

Ingredients

6 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
12 slices center-cut bacon
1 large red onion, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 bunch scallions, chopped
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For Poaching Chicken (if applicable):

2-3 pounds raw chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon peppercorns
2 garlic cloves
2 dried bay leaves

Cooking Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Equipment

Sheet pan
Large mixing bowl
Large pot (if poaching chicken)

How to Make This Recipe?

Creating this BLT Chicken Salad is a breeze, even for beginners. The steps are straightforward, and the results are always impressive. You’ll prepare the bacon and veggies, whisk up a delicious dressing, and then bring all the elements together for a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.

Roast the Bacon and Onions

Spread the bacon slices on one side of a sheet pan. On the other side, place the chopped red onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and give it a light spray of cooking oil. Roast at 425°F for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Once done, allow to cool slightly before chopping.

Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creamy base will provide just the right balance of tanginess and smoky flavor for your salad.

Combine the Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, and roasted onions to the dressing. Gently mix until all the pieces are evenly coated. Finally, crumble or chop the roasted bacon and fold it into the salad for that signature BLT crunch.

Why I Love Making This Recipe?

Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like a true kitchen victory. Not only is it packed with bold and delicious flavors, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. I love how it adapts to different meals—I can serve it in a lettuce wrap, on a slice of bread, or even with some crunchy crackers.

Plus, it holds up so well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping. For me, it’s more than just a recipe; it’s a go-to dish that always hits the spot. If you’re looking for a sandwich option, a chicken Caesar salad sandwich recipe is another fantastic choice.

Tips and Variations

This dish offers endless opportunities for creativity. Here are some tips to make it even better, based on my experiences.

Try adding diced avocado for extra creaminess.
Replace mayo with more Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Add a splash of hot sauce to the dressing if you enjoy some spice.
If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers work wonderfully as a substitute.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time when you’re in a hurry.

These little tweaks can elevate the recipe without straying too far from its core flavors. Every time I make it, I love experimenting with these variations to keep things exciting!

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with so many sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Scoop it onto a toasted whole-grain sandwich for a hearty meal.
Enjoy it with crispy crackers or fresh veggie sticks like cucumbers and carrots.

Storage and Leftovers

To store, transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you’re meal prepping, portion it into individual servings to grab quickly during the week. This dish is best consumed cold, but you can allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes to enjoy its full flavor. For best results, keep any extra bacon or garnishes separate until ready to serve. If you’re a fan of meal prep, a canned chicken salad recipe is another great option to try.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides a balanced and healthy meal. Here’s an estimate of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 322
Protein: 41g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 13g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few small issues to watch for. These tips will help you nail it every time.

Overcooking the bacon can make it too brittle to mix into the salad, so keep an eye on it while it roasts.
Skipping the seasoning on onions will leave them bland, so don’t forget the pinch of salt and pepper.
Adding hot bacon or chicken to the dressing can cause it to separate, so make sure everything cools before mixing.
Using a watery yogurt might thin the dressing too much; stick to thicker varieties for the best texture.

With these in mind, you’ll be whipping up this fabulous salad like a pro!

This BLT Chicken Salad is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. It checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and versatility. Whether it’s meal prep or an impromptu lunch, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Ash Tyrrell

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Servings 6

Calories 322 kcal

Ingredients

6 cups cooked chicken breast chopped
12 slices center-cut bacon
1 large red onion chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
1 bunch scallions chopped
1/2 cup light mayonnaise
3/4 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2-3 pounds raw chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon peppercorns
2 garlic cloves
2 dried bay leaves

Instructions

Spread the bacon slices on one side of a sheet pan. On the other side, place the chopped red onion, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and give it a light spray of cooking oil. Roast at 425°F for about 15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy. Once done, allow to cool slightly before chopping.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creamy base will provide just the right balance of tanginess and smoky flavor for your salad.
Add the cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped scallions, and roasted onions to the dressing. Gently mix until all the pieces are evenly coated. Finally, crumble or chop the roasted bacon and fold it into the salad for that signature BLT crunch.

Notes

Serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Scoop it onto a toasted whole-grain sandwich for a hearty meal.
Enjoy it with crispy crackers or fresh veggie sticks like cucumbers and carrots.

Keyword BLT Chicken Salad Recipe