Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When you take the beloved flavors of a classic BLT and combine them with the satisfying goodness of chicken salad, you get a culinary triumph. Today, we’re talking about the BLT Chicken Salad Sandwich – and for me, it’s an absolute SMASH! This isn’t just a simple chicken salad; it’s a creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh explosion of flavor in every single bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I am absolutely obsessed with this BLT Chicken Salad because it takes everything wonderful about a BLT (bacon! lettuce! tomato!) and makes it even more versatile and satisfying. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially if you use leftover or rotisserie chicken, making it perfect for quick lunches or meal prep. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and the creamy, herbed dressing with tender chicken is simply irresistible. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors in a fresh, new way, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser whether you serve it on bread, in a lettuce wrap, or with crackers.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic BLT Chicken Salad:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced (Roma or cherry tomatoes work well)
• ½ cup celery, diced (optional, for extra crunch)
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• ¼ cup green onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or sour cream, for a tangier twist)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried dill
• ½ teaspoon dried chives
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Cooked chicken is essential for this quick recipe. Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver! You can also boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts and shred or dice them.
• Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy for the best texture. You can use regular or thick-cut bacon.
• Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes tend to be less watery, making them a good choice. Cherry tomatoes, halved, also work well.
• Onions: The combination of red and green onions adds depth of flavor and color. For a milder red onion flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for 5-10 minutes, then drain before mixing.
• Mayonnaise/Sour Cream: Mayonnaise creates a classic creamy base. Sour cream will give a tangier flavor profile. A mix of both is also delicious!
• Vinegar/Lemon Juice: Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tartness. Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, zippier flavor.
• Dried Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, you can use fresh herbs if you have them. Double the amount if using fresh.
• Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. For a little kick, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the dressing.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded or diced chicken, cooked and crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, diced celery (if using), finely diced red onion, and thinly sliced green onion.
2. Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), dried parsley, dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently until all the ingredients are well coated and thoroughly mixed.
4. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the BLT Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
5. Enjoy: Serve immediately, preferably in or with lettuce wraps, on toasted bread, or with crackers.

Tips for Success

• Cool Chicken Completely: Ensure your cooked chicken is cold before mixing it into the salad. This helps maintain a good texture and prevents the dressing from becoming oily.
• Crispy Bacon: Make sure your bacon is truly crispy before crumbling. This adds a crucial textural element to the salad.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients together to avoid mashing the chicken or tomatoes.
• Adjust Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a tiny splash more vinegar or even a teaspoon of water or chicken broth.
• Serve Fresh: While the salad keeps well, it’s best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness of the tomatoes and crispness of the celery.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This BLT Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic meal or appetizer:

• Sandwiches: Serve on toasted bread, croissants, or mini slider buns (like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter).
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option.
• Salad Topping: Serve a generous scoop over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty main course salad. For another light and tangy option, check out my original Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!).
• Crackers or Cucumber Slices: Perfect for a simple snack or appetizer.
• Summer Sides: It pairs well with light summer sides, perhaps with a refreshing glass of my Blueberry Lemonade.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store any cooled leftovers of the BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Due to the fresh tomatoes, it’s best consumed within this timeframe, as they can become watery over time. This salad does not freeze well.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and flavorful versatility of this BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular chicken-based and easy meal recipes:

• For a fantastic one-pan dinner that’s incredibly convenient, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• If you’re craving some deep, comforting Southern flavors, my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo is an absolute must-try.
• And for an easy way to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

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Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad is a brilliant reinterpretation of classic flavors, creating a dish that’s incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and perfect for a light yet hearty meal. It’s definitely a SMASH! in my book! Give it a try, and let this amazing chicken salad bring some extra sunshine and flavor to your table.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy a BLT, or your go-to chicken salad variations? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.