BLT Chicken Salad Recipe -

The BLT Chicken Salad combines the smoky crunch of a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich with tender cooked chicken. This recipe offers a creamy and savory flavor profile that works well for a variety of dining occasions.

It is an ideal choice for a quick lunch, structured meal prep, or summer picnics. You can serve this dish as a sandwich, inside lettuce wraps, or paired with crackers.

Recipe Quick Reference

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (assuming your chicken and bacon are already cooked)
Servings: 4–5 servings
Primary Serving Options: Toast, lettuce wraps, bed of romaine or Bibb lettuce, or crackers

Ingredient Breakdown

The Salad Base Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or diced cooked chicken forms the heart of the salad base, and rotisserie chicken works perfectly for quick prep.
6–8 slices bacon: Cooked until extra crispy and crumbled to deliver the iconic bacon crunch.
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes: Halved or quartered to distribute juicy tomato flavor throughout the mixture.
½ cup celery: Finely diced to provide extra crunch in every bite.
⅓ cup green onions (scallions): Thinly sliced to add a mild, fresh onion bite.
Romaine or Bibb lettuce: Kept crisp for serving or wrapping.

The Creamy Dressing Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise: Forms the rich, smooth base of the creamy dressing.
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream): Adds body and offers a tangy kick to balance the mayonnaise.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings bright acidity to cut through the richness.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory garlic background note.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the dressing.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Added to taste to adjust the seasoning balance.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Creamy Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Whisk the ingredients together continuously until the dressing is completely smooth.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, add the 3 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken.
Add the 6–8 slices of crumbled extra-crispy bacon.
Stir in 1 cup of halved or quartered cherry or grape tomatoes, ½ cup of finely diced celery, and ⅓ cup of thinly sliced green onions.
Mix the base ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Toss and Coat

Pour the whisked creamy dressing directly over the chicken mixture in the large bowl.
Using a spatula, toss everything gently until all of the base ingredients are thoroughly coated in dressing.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the mixing bowl securely.
Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to achieve the best flavor development.
Serve chilled over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, scooped into lettuce wraps, or spooned inside toasted bread.

Serving Methods and Meal Ideas

Classic Sandwich: Spoon the chilled chicken salad between toasted bread slices for a traditional sandwich format.
Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Scoop the chicken salad inside fresh Bibb or romaine lettuce leaves for a crisp, low-carb lunch.
Salad Bowl: Serve the chilled mixture directly over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce.
Picnic Snack: Pair the salad with crispy crackers for quick dipping at summer picnics or gatherings.

Chef’s Tips and Customization Variations

How to Keep Lettuce Crisp

If you prefer to mix the lettuce directly into the salad base rather than serving on top, only toss it in right before serving so it stays crisp and does not get soggy.