Tasty BLT Chicken

Tender chicken blends with crunchy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh veggies in this cool spin on a beloved sandwich combo. This chicken BLT salad brings all the tasty elements of the sandwich classic into a protein-rich, smooth salad that's great for quick lunches, breezy dinners, or wowing guests without breaking a sweat.

I whipped up this salad while hunting for fun ways to use extra rotisserie chicken that would hit the spot for my BLT-loving family. The first time it appeared on our table, my husband—who usually thinks salads aren't real food—grabbed seconds and asked to add it to our weekly lineup. Something truly special happens when smoky bacon meets bright tomatoes and savory chicken. It's now my go-to dish for gatherings since it always gets tons of praise and recipe requests.

Smart Ingredient Choices

• Cooked Chicken: Gives you filling protein that soaks up all the other flavors but stays firm
• Crispy Bacon: Brings that must-have smoky crunch that makes a BLT what it is
• Cherry Tomatoes: Add pops of sweet juice and make the salad look pretty
• Red Onion: Cuts through the creaminess with a zippy bite
• Celery: Gives you that clean snap and light garden taste in every bite
• Mayonnaise: Works as the silky base that pulls everything together and adds richness
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings that needed tang to balance out the richer parts
• Garlic Powder: Adds flavor depth without the harsh kick of raw garlic
• Onion Powder: Backs up the fresh onion with a hint of sweetness
• Black Pepper: Throws in a bit of warmth and makes the creamy dressing more interesting

Making Your Amazing Salad

Get Your Chicken Ready:

Start with well-cooked chicken from a store rotisserie, leftovers, or freshly made chicken breasts. Cut or pull it into small, bite-sized chunks that mix well with other stuff and feel just right when you take a bite.

Make The Bacon Extra Crispy:

Cut up raw bacon into tiny pieces and cook them in a pan over medium heat until they're super crisp. The small size spreads bacon goodness throughout your salad. Drain them really well on paper towels so they don't make your salad greasy.

Cut Up Your Veggies:

Cut cherry tomatoes in half so they let their sweet juice out. Chop red onion and celery into tiny, even pieces that will mix through the salad nicely. When you prep your veggies right, every bite has the perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Mix Up A Tasty Dressing:

In a big bowl, stir together mayo, fresh lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until it's smooth. This easy but flavorful dressing makes a creamy base that works with the main ingredients instead of taking over.

Mix Everything Together:

Toss in your chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and celery to the dressing. Fold everything gently until it's all coated but not mushy. This careful mixing keeps each ingredient distinct while making sure flavors spread evenly.

Let The Flavors Come Together:

Cover your salad and stick it in the fridge for at least half an hour before serving. This resting time is key—it helps all the flavors mix and mingle, turning separate ingredients into one amazing dish. It actually tastes better after sitting, so it's perfect to make ahead.

Serve It Up Nicely:

Serve your chilled salad on fresh lettuce, between bread slices, or wrapped in tortillas or lettuce leaves. You can serve it so many ways, making it great for everything from lunch boxes to fancy get-togethers.

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My family goes crazy for this salad during hot summer days when cool, protein-packed meals hit the spot. My husband likes his stuffed in pita bread with extra lettuce, while my kids prefer it between toasted bread. I've found that throwing in a ripe avocado right before eating makes an extra special version for when company comes over.

I first made this for a summer cookout when regular mayo salads seemed boring. The mix of sandwich flavors in a cool, easy-to-carry form was such a hit that people tracked me down just to tell me how much they loved it. It works so well at parties because it feels both familiar and new—people love trying something different that still has flavors they know and enjoy.

Tasty Sides To Serve With It

This flexible chicken salad goes great with sides that bring out its fresh taste. Try it with crunchy kettle chips that contrast the creamy salad and work great for dipping. For a full meal, add a light fruit salad with seasonal berries or melon to refresh your taste buds between bites. When it's the main dish, pair it with a cool pasta salad tossed with olive oil and herbs for the perfect summer meal. If you're having friends over, put the salad on a board surrounded by different breads, crackers, and fresh veggies so everyone can build their own plate. For sandwich lovers, add pickle spears and raw veggie sticks for a filling lunch or light dinner.

Fun Ways To Switch It Up

Try different ingredient combos while keeping the BLT spirit alive. Make a Southwestern version with chunks of avocado, black beans, and lime juice instead of lemon in the dressing. For a Mediterranean feel, mix in feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers with a pinch of oregano. Cut carbs by swapping some mayo for Greek yogurt and serving in lettuce cups instead of bread. In fall, add diced apple and toasted walnuts for seasonal crunch and sweetness. Vegetarians can enjoy this with firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken, keeping it protein-rich while skipping the meat.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep your make-ahead salad tasting great with these storage tricks. Put the finished salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For easy lunches, divide it into single-serving containers you can grab throughout the week. If you're planning sandwiches, store the salad apart from bread or wraps and put them together just before eating to avoid sogginess. When taking it to gatherings, keep it in a cold container with ice packs to stay food-safe. For the best flavor, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before eating to let the flavors wake up a bit.

I learned just how handy this salad can be during a week-long power outage when cooking options were slim but we still needed good meals. The way it turns simple ingredients into something crave-worthy without needing heat makes it perfect for tough times when you can't cook much. Beyond just being practical, there's something really satisfying about making a dish that brings favorite flavors together in a new way. Having the taste of a BLT in this unexpected form reminds me that cooking creativity often comes from reimagining dishes we already love rather than trying to invent something completely new.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How many days can the BLT Chicken Bowl stay fresh in the fridge?

This dish stays good in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The taste gets better after it sits for a few hours, making it awesome for prepping ahead.

→ What’s the easiest way to cook chicken for this dish?

Store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and tastes great. Or, simmer chicken breasts in salted water for about 15 minutes, or use grilled leftovers. Just make sure it’s fully cooked, then dice or shred.

→ Is this recipe already dairy-free, or do I need to adjust it?

No need to change anything—it’s already dairy-free! The creaminess comes from mayo, which uses eggs, not dairy. Double-check mayo labels if you have serious allergies to be extra safe.

→ What’s a fun way to serve this dish?

Scoop it onto salad greens for a lighter meal, stuff it into avocados, wrap it in lettuce, or make sandwiches with your favorite bread. You can also roll it in tortillas or use veggie slices to scoop.

→ Are there mayo substitutes if I want to switch it up?

Totally! Swap some or all mayo with Greek yogurt for extra protein, mashed avocado for healthy fats, or vegan mayo for an egg-free version. Each option tweaks the flavor but still tastes great.