I’ve got to tell you about this Delicious BLT Chicken Salad recipe. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Imagine biting into tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes, all wrapped in fresh lettuce. Can you resist? Honestly, I can’t. Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up even on those busy weeknights. So, why not mix things up and impress your friends? Let’s plunge into the details, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you sink your teeth into this BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll understand why it’s a recipe I come back to time and again.
Seriously, it’s like a flavor party in your mouth. You’ve got the juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes mingling together. What’s not to love?
Plus, the dressing combines Greek yogurt and mayo, giving it that creamy goodness without feeling too heavy.
And let’s be real—who doesn’t want to sneak in a little extra protein with a salad?
This BLT chicken salad is super easy to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re feeling less than gourmet.
Give it a try, and I promise you’ll thank yourself later.
Equipment List
Preparing a tasty BLT Chicken Salad doesn’t just require great ingredients; you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand too.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fumbled around my kitchen. So, first things first, grab a sharp knife for chopping. You’ll also need a cutting board – preferably not the one with the spaghetti stains.
A big mixing bowl is essential for tossing everything together. Of course, a small bowl for that creamy dressing makes things easier too. Don’t forget measuring cups for accuracy, and a whisk; you’ll thank me later for smooth dressing. To make your mixing experience seamless, consider using essential stainless steel mixing bowls as they are sturdy and easy to clean.
If you’ve got a serving spoon, perfect – it makes plating feel fancy. That’s all you really need to get started.
Our Ingredients
When it comes to whipping up a delicious BLT Chicken Salad, the ingredients are the star of the show. You want fresh, quality items that highlight those classic flavors of a BLT while also incorporating the heartiness of chicken. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a revitalizing dinner, and it packs a punch with its combination of textures and tastes.
So, let’s dive right in and check out what you’ll need to grab from your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 5-6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- Butter lettuce leaves (optional for serving)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Now, before you go running off to the grocery store, you might want to think about a few things about these ingredients. For starters, if you’re anything like me, that bacon is non-negotiable. The crispy goodness it brings is pure magic.
Also, if you can, opt for fresh chicken—nothing beats that juicy texture. And about those cherry tomatoes, feel free to get creative with your choices. If you find some vibrant heirlooms, toss those in instead.
Don’t shy away from the dressing, either; it ties everything together beautifully. Just remember, this salad is super adaptable. You can add extra veggies or even some chives for a fancy touch.
Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful way to bring fresh flavors to your table. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish that will make your taste buds sing. Ready to jump in? Let’s get started!
1. Cook the bacon: Begin by frying 5-6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s nice and crisp—think golden and sizzlin’. Once it’s perfect, drain excess grease on a paper towel and chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the bacon is doing its thing, grab your chicken. You need 3 cups of cooked chicken****, whether shredded or chopped. If you haven’t cooked it yet, just boil it until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let it cool a bit before shredding or chopping it.
Nothing is quite as fantastic as juicy chicken mixing into a salad.
3. Mix the dressing**: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp of onion powder**. Don’t forget to season with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of black pepper to taste.
Whisk it all together until you have a creamy and delicious dressing. (You might find yourself “tasting” it more than you intended—totally normal!)
4. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, throw in your shredded chicken, chopped bacon, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes**, and 1/2 small diced red onion**.
It’s like a little party of flavor in one bowl.
5. Add the dressing: Pour that creamy dressing over your chicken mixture. Gently toss everything until all the ingredients are well-coated and happy to be together. (Careful not to squish those tomatoes!)
6. Serve it up: If you’re feeling fancy, spoon the salad into butter lettuce leaves for a fun presentation.
They make perfect cups, and who doesn’t love eating with their hands now and then?
And there you have it! A delightful BLT Chicken Salad that’s both hearty and invigorating. As you take in those lovely flavors, don’t forget to give yourself a pat on the back.
Seriously, you just created something delicious! Enjoy it fresh or keep it in the fridge for a few days—if it lasts that long. Plus, making this dish can be enhanced with the right choice of premium kitchen appliances to elevate your cooking experience.
Tips & Variations
While I plunge into the fun of creating my BLT Chicken Salad, I can’t help but ponder all the little ways I can jazz things up.
For starters, don’t be afraid to tweak that dressing—more yogurt for creaminess, perhaps? If I’m feeling fancy, I toss in some extra crispy bacon. Who doesn’t love more bacon?
I’ll sometimes swap cherry tomatoes for diced avocados—smooth and rich, just like my favorite celebrity chef. Chives make a lovely garnish too, though I often forget them in the fridge.
And if you’ve got leftover chicken, use that instead of boiling more. Less work for me, right?
Anyway, you can store this in the fridge for 4-5 days—if it lasts that long!
How to Serve?
Serving a vibrant BLT Chicken Salad can feel like hosting a mini celebration at your dinner table.
I love tossing it all together in a big, beautiful bowl and serving it family-style. Imagine this: those colorful toppings shining against the creamy dressing, begging for attention.
I like to offer butter lettuce leaves on the side; they turn into delightful cups for scooping. Each person can build their own masterpiece, making it super interactive.
Oh, and if I’m feeling extra fancy, I might sprinkle some extra bacon or chives on top.
Don’t forget, this salad is just as good nestled inside a fluffy sandwich or alongside crusty bread. Trust me, everyone will be raving about it.
Storage & Reheating Guide
If you want to keep your delicious BLT Chicken Salad fresh and tasty for the days to come, you’ll need a solid storage plan.
First, scoop it into an airtight container—trust me, you don’t want unwanted odors from your fridge infiltrating your salad. It’ll last about 4-5 days in the fridge. Before serving, I often jazz it up with a tad more dressing.
Now, if you’re tempted to reheat it, do note that the chicken’s fine, but that crispy bacon? Not so much. When I microwave leftovers, I skip the bacon and add it fresh later.
It’s a little ritual I enjoy, and I promise it makes a world of difference. Your taste buds will thank you. Additionally, you might want to consider using freezer storage bags to extend the life of your leftovers even further.
Final Thoughts
As I sit here reflecting on this BLT Chicken Salad, I can’t help but think about how it perfectly balances hearty flavors with fresh ingredients.
I mean, who doesn’t love a good bacon crunch mixed with tender chicken? It’s like a party in your mouth, right?
I promise, this dish will impress not just you but anyone you serve it to. You can whip it up for a quick lunch or dress it up for dinner with friends.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself sneaking leftovers straight from the fridge. Just remember, don’t be shy with the bacon. A little extra never hurt anyone.