Creamy BLT Chicken Salad: My Easy Weeknight Lunch

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

• Cooked Chicken Breast: I always use leftover rotisserie chicken, honestly, it’s a lifesaver. Shredded or diced, it’s the hearty base for our BLT chicken salad.
• Crispy Bacon: This is non-negotiable! The smoky, salty crunch is what makes a BLT chicken salad sing. I usually bake mine for even crispiness.

• Mayonnaise: Don’t skimp here, hon. A good quality, full-fat mayo makes all the difference for that creamy texture. I’ve tried lighter versions, and they just don’t have the same oomph.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved or quartered, these little bursts of sweetness cut through the richness. I swear, fresh tomatoes are key, dried just won’t do.

• Romaine Lettuce: Gives that essential crisp, fresh bite. I chop it pretty finely, so you get a bit in every spoonful. I once used iceberg, and it worked, kinda, but romaine is my jam.

• Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon or two for a little tang and depth. It really wakes up the dressing.

• Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything. It’s a trick I learned from my grandma, acid is your friend!

• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste, of course. I always go a little heavy on the pepper for that extra kick.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Prep Your Chicken:

First things first, get that chicken ready. If you’re like me and have leftover roasted chicken, just shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. I love how the tender chicken just falls apart, ready to soak up all that creamy dressing. If you’re cooking fresh, a quick boil or bake works perfectly. Just make sure it’s cooled down before you start mixing, nobody wants warm BLT chicken salad! I always aim for roughly 2 cups of shredded chicken.

Crisp Up the Bacon:

Now for the star: the bacon! I usually lay my bacon strips on a baking sheet and pop them in a cold oven, then set it to 400°F (200°C). This slow-cook method yields perfectly crispy bacon every time, no splattering mess on the stovetop! Once it’s golden and crisp, drain it on paper towels and let it cool. This is where I always sneak a piece, honestly, it’s irresistible. Crumble it into small pieces, you want that bacon goodness in every bite of your BLT chicken salad.

Chop Your Veggies:

Next up, the fresh stuff! Halve or quarter your cherry tomatoes. I just love the vibrant red against the green lettuce. Then, finely chop your romaine lettuce. I find a fine chop really integrates the lettuce into the BLT chicken salad, rather than having big floppy pieces. It’s all about that perfect texture balance, you know? This step always makes my kitchen smell so fresh!

Whip Up the Dressing:

Time to make the magic happen for our BLT chicken salad dressing! In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Taste it! Does it need more tang? More pepper? This is your moment to adjust. I usually add a little extra pepper, it just feels right.

Combine Everything:

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, gently combine your shredded chicken, the crispy crumbled bacon, the chopped tomatoes, and the romaine lettuce. Pour that luscious dressing over the top. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are beautifully coated. You want to see every piece of chicken, bacon, and tomato glistening with that creamy dressing. Don’t overmix, though, we still want some texture in our BLT chicken salad.

Chill and Serve Your BLT Chicken Salad:

Once everything is mixed, I like to pop the BLT chicken salad into the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and chill down, which is just divine, especially on a warm day. It makes such a difference, honestly. When it’s ready, serve it up on its own, in lettuce cups, or on your favorite bread. The perfect BLT chicken salad, ready to enjoy!

Storage Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

Okay, so storing this BLT chicken salad is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things I’ve learned from personal experience. If you’re planning to eat it within a day or two, you can just keep it all mixed together in an airtight container in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors really get to know each other. However, if you’re thinking longer term, or if you’re a stickler for crisp lettuce like me, I highly recommend storing the chopped lettuce separately. I microwaved it once after a few days, and the sauce got a little oily and the lettuce turned sad so don’t do that, lol. The chicken salad (without lettuce) will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Just add fresh lettuce right before you serve it, and it’ll be perfect.

Ingredient Substitutions for BLT Chicken Salad

I’ve definitely played around with this BLT chicken salad recipe over the years, mostly because I’m terrible at planning grocery lists! One time, I didn’t have romaine, so I used baby spinach, and it worked… kinda. It wasn’t as crunchy, but the flavor was still there. For the chicken, leftover turkey works beautifully too, especially after Thanksgiving. If you’re out of fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes (chopped finely) can give a concentrated burst of flavor, though it changes the vibe a bit. As for the dressing, if you’re out of Dijon, a little bit of yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth. I even tried adding a tiny bit of smoked paprika to the dressing once when my bacon wasn’t quite smoky enough, and honestly, it was a genius move!

Serving Suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad

This BLT chicken salad is so versatile, it’s honestly a dream! My favorite way to enjoy it is simply piled high on a piece of toasted sourdough bread the tang of the bread with the creamy salad is just chef’s kiss. For a lighter option, I love serving it in crisp lettuce cups, it feels fancy but takes zero effort. If you’re feeling a little extra, serve it alongside some homemade potato chips or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. And for drinks? Honestly, a cold glass of iced tea or even a sparkling lemonade pairs wonderfully. This dish and a good book on the porch? Yes please. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a quiet night in when you need something comforting and easy.

The Story Behind This BLT Chicken Salad

The BLT sandwich itself has such a classic, comforting American diner feel, doesn’t it? It’s a staple that evokes memories of roadside diners and simple, good food. My connection to it started young, my dad used to make them every Saturday for lunch, and the smell of sizzling bacon still takes me right back. This BLT chicken salad recipe, however, came from a moment of pure necessity and a desire to capture those familiar flavors in a new, exciting way. It was born out of those hot summer days when a traditional sandwich felt too heavy, and I needed something cool and satisfying. It’s a testament to how beloved flavors can evolve and find new life, carrying all that comforting history with them, but in a refreshing package. It’s become a modern classic in my kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions about BLT Chicken Salad

→ Can I use canned chicken for this BLT chicken salad?

Honestly, you totally can! Just make sure to drain it really well. The texture might be a little different from fresh or rotisserie chicken, but the flavors of the BLT chicken salad will still shine through. I’ve done it in a pinch!

→ What kind of lettuce is best for BLT chicken salad?

I personally love romaine for its crispness, but iceberg works well too if you like that classic BLT crunch. I even tried butter lettuce once, it was softer, but still good. It’s all about what you prefer in your BLT chicken salad!

→ How do I prevent my BLT chicken salad from getting watery?

Great question! Make sure your tomatoes are well-drained after dicing, and don’t add the lettuce until just before serving if you’re prepping ahead. Excess moisture is the enemy of creamy BLT chicken salad, I’ve learned that one the hard way!

→ Can I freeze leftover BLT chicken salad?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, hon. The mayonnaise-based dressing tends to separate when thawed, and the lettuce and tomatoes will become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge. Trust me on this one!

→ What are some good additions to this BLT chicken salad?

Oh, the possibilities! I sometimes add finely diced celery for extra crunch, or a bit of avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions is also lovely. Experiment and make your BLT chicken salad your own!