Let me introduce you to the ultimate crowd-pleaser: BLT Salad with Chicken! It’s the perfect marriage of crunchy bacon, juicy grilled chicken, and fresh veggies all swirled together in a colorful, hearty salad that feels like a summer picnic in a bowl. Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weekdays or craving something light but still super satisfying, this recipe is destined to become a staple at your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the BLT flavors you crave: The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato gives you all the comfort of a classic BLT—with a protein boost from grilled chicken.
- Super satisfying & filling: Thanks to the addition of chicken and avocado, this salad doesn’t leave you starving an hour later—it really eats like a full meal!
- Fast and simple to prepare: Everything comes together in only about 30 minutes, making this doable for weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Customizable for everyone: Swap out toppings, use your favorite dressing, or make it lighter—this BLT Salad with Chicken flexes easily for different tastes and diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BLT Salad with Chicken is built on fresh, wholesome ingredients that play off each other perfectly. Each component adds a unique burst of flavor or a textural surprise, making each forkful something to savor!
- Bacon: Use good-quality, thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and bold flavor—the salty richness is key here.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy on the grill and add heartiness that turns this salad into a true meal.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp, cool, and sturdy enough to hold up under all these delicious toppings.
- Grape tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and color, they brighten every bite.
- Corn: Fresh or thawed frozen corn brings a subtle sweetness and that cheerful pop of yellow.
- Red onion: Just enough sharpness to keep things interesting and balance out the other creamy ingredients.
- Avocados: Creamy, rich, and buttery—absolutely essential for that luscious finish.
Variations
This BLT Salad with Chicken is wildly versatile—feel free to adjust it to whatever you’re craving or whatever’s in your fridge. Making it your own is all part of the fun, so don’t be shy about mixing up the ingredients to suit different diets or special occasions!
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bacon, add crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon for plenty of crunch and plant-based protein.
- Use turkey bacon: Swap classic bacon for turkey bacon or even prosciutto to lighten things up.
- Different greens: Try baby spinach, arugula, or a mix of spring greens in place of romaine for a peppery twist.
- Cheese it up: Sprinkle on some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar for an added layer of creaminess and flavor.
- Spicy edition: Add pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese for a kick!
How to Make BLT Salad with Chicken
Step 1: Bake Your Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Arrange bacon strips side by side on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this keeps cleanup so easy! Bake for 18–20 minutes until they’re just how you like them. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop it into bite-sized pieces once cool. The smell alone will have everyone drifting into your kitchen!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken Thighs
While the bacon works its magic, season your chicken thighs generously. I love a simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but feel free to get creative here! Grill the thighs over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side, covered, until golden and cooked through (an instant-read thermometer is your best friend). Let rest for a few minutes, then dice into hearty chunks. Juicy, charred, and irresistible!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a big serving bowl, toss together chopped romaine, halved grape tomatoes, corn, diced red onion, crispy bacon, and your perfectly grilled chicken. Give everything a gentle toss—watch all those colors mingle and marvel at how downright festive this BLT Salad with Chicken looks!
Step 4: Add Avocado and Dress to Impress
Slice up your avocados and fan them over the top of the salad for that signature creamy bite. Serve with your favorite dressing—homemade honey mustard is always a hit in my house, but ranch or a zesty vinaigrette would also totally work. Drizzle on, toss, or serve dressing on the side so everyone can dig in how they like.
Pro Tips for Making BLT Salad with Chicken
- Crispy Bacon Every Time: Baking bacon flat in the oven keeps it evenly crispy and makes chopping for salads a breeze—no curling strips to struggle with!
- Rest That Chicken: Give the grilled thighs a couple of minutes on the cutting board before dicing—this locks in those tasty juices and keeps every bite tender.
- Mix Dressings Right Before Serving: Dress your BLT Salad with Chicken right before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh-looking, especially if you’re making it ahead.
- Avocado Last: Slice and add avocado at the very end to keep it vibrant and prevent browning if you plan to serve the salad later.
How to Serve BLT Salad with Chicken
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a scattering of snipped chives can elevate your BLT Salad with Chicken with a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor. For a little extra crunch, try tossing on a handful of homemade croutons or toasted sunflower seeds.
Side Dishes
This salad is genuinely satisfying all on its own, but if you’re aiming for a bigger spread, a crusty baguette or a simple potato soup pairs beautifully alongside. For something lighter, serve with fruit skewers or a sparkling lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
To make a showstopping impression, serve your BLT Salad with Chicken layered in glass jars for picnics, or arrange the toppings in rows over the greens for a stunning “composed” look on a platter. Individual salad bowls layered with a drizzle of honey mustard are also a fun and personal touch—no two bowls ever look quite the same!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, store the components separately for best results. Keep the greens, chicken, bacon, and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge, then toss together just before serving to preserve all those beautiful textures.
Freezing
The salad itself doesn’t freeze well, but you can definitely make a big batch of grilled chicken ahead of time and freeze it in portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and you’re halfway to your next BLT Salad with Chicken!
Reheating
Reheat chicken (and bacon, if you like it hot) gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat before tossing into fresh salad greens. Be sure not to overheat the chicken so it stays moist and tasty.
FAQs
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Can I make BLT Salad with Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can grill the chicken and bake the bacon up to 2 days ahead. Chop your veggies and keep everything stored separately in the fridge. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep it at its freshest and crunchiest.
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What dressing pairs best with this salad?
Honey mustard dressing is a longstanding favorite for BLT Salad with Chicken, thanks to its sweet-and-tangy vibe that beautifully complements the bacon and avocado. Ranch or a classic vinaigrette also work great—don’t be afraid to try your personal favorite!
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Do I have to use chicken thighs, or can I use chicken breasts?
You can absolutely use chicken breasts if that’s your preference! Thighs stay a bit juicier and more flavorful, but grilled or baked chicken breast works just as well in your BLT Salad with Chicken. Just take care not to overcook so you keep the meat nice and moist.
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How do I make this salad gluten-free or dairy-free?
This salad is naturally gluten-free if you avoid croutons or choose gluten-free bacon. For dairy-free, just make sure your dressing doesn’t include any dairy ingredients—honey mustard or simple vinaigrettes are perfect options!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your salad routine, you just have to try this BLT Salad with Chicken. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is easy enough for any day of the week. I can’t wait to hear how you customize it and make it your own—dig in and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
BLT Salad with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and satisfying BLT Salad with Chicken recipe that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with grilled chicken and a homemade honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick and easy meal!
Ingredients
Bacon:
- 8 slices bacon, baked and chopped
Chicken:
- 8–10 boneless skinless chicken thighs, grilled and diced
Salad:
- 4–6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1–2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 avocados, sliced
Instructions
- Bake the bacon: Preheat oven to 400F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, place bacon strips side by side, and bake for 18-20 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, chop into pieces.
- Cook the chicken: Grill seasoned chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes on each side. Rest, then dice. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Toss salad: Combine lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, corn, bacon, and chicken.
- Top with avocado: Add sliced avocados on top.
- Serve: With dressing on the side or drizzled over the salad.
Notes
- To make homemade honey mustard dressing, mix equal parts mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
