The Best BLT Chicken Salad Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes!)

A Love Letter to Quick, Crave-Worthy Meals

You’re standing in the kitchen, stomach growling, staring at the clock. The day has been relentless—meetings, errands, chores—and the thought of cooking feels like climbing a mountain. You want something hearty, something flavorful, but above all, something fast . Sound familiar? This BLT chicken salad recipe is your answer.

Let me paint a picture: Crispy bacon, still warm from the skillet, mingles with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp romaine, and tender shredded chicken. A creamy, tangy dressing ties it all together, and the entire dish comes together in the time it takes to brew a pot of coffee. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a lifeline for busy nights, a picnic-ready masterpiece, and a meal-prep hero all rolled into one.

I stumbled onto this recipe during a week when life felt like a treadmill. My fridge held odds and ends—a leftover rotisserie chicken, a handful of bacon, and veggies on the verge of wilting. Desperation bred creativity, and what emerged was a salad so satisfying, it became a weekly ritual. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder, Why didn’t I think of this sooner?

This recipe isn’t about perfection. It’s about using what you have, saving time without sacrificing flavor, and savoring a meal that feels indulgent even on the busiest days. Let’s dive in.

Why This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe Works

This salad isn’t just another quick fix—it’s a carefully balanced dish designed to please your taste buds and fit your lifestyle. Here’s why it stands out:

1. Speed Meets Satisfaction
   • 20 minutes start to finish : No marinating, no baking, no complicated techniques. Just chop, cook, and toss.
   • No special equipment : A skillet and a mixing bowl are all you need.
2. Flavor That Punches Above Its Weight
   • Crispy + Creamy + Fresh : The bacon delivers salty crunch, the dressing adds richness, and the veggies keep every bite bright.
   • Customizable : Adjust the dressing’s tang, swap ingredients, or add extras like avocado or hard-boiled eggs.
3. Dietary Flexibility
   • Keto? Use sugar-free bacon and mayo.
   • Low-Carb? For a low-carb twist, skip the croutons and serve the salad over a bed of fresh greens.
   • Vegetarian? For a vegetarian twist, swap out chicken for canned chickpeas or golden-brown pan-seared halloumi.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the essentials for your BLT chicken salad recipe :

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Cooked chicken breast	2 cups	Shredded or chopped
Bacon	6 slices	Crispy, crumbled
Romaine lettuce	4 cups	Chopped
Cherry tomatoes	1 cup	Halved
Red onion	¼ cup	Finely diced
Mayonnaise	⅓ cup	Or Greek yogurt for lighter
Lemon juice	1 tbsp	Freshly squeezed
Garlic powder	½ tsp
Salt & pepper	To taste

Pro Tip : Use rotisserie chicken to shave 15 minutes off prep time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• Stovetop Method :
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Arrange bacon slices in an even layer on the skillet for optimal crisping.
  • Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
• Oven Method (For Meal Prep) :
  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and position a wire rack on top to ensure even crisping.
  • Arrange bacon slices on the rack. Bake until the bacon turns crispy and golden-brown, usually around 15 to 20 minutes.

Why It Matters : Crispy bacon is non-negotiable. It adds texture and keeps the salad from feeling soggy.

2. Prep the Chicken

• Option 1 : Use leftover grilled chicken. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
• Option 2 : Pan-sear raw chicken:
  • Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook boneless, skinless chicken cutlets for 6–7 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces..

Time-Saving Hack : Rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. Remove the skin to keep the salad light.

3. Chop the Veggies

• Lettuce : Use romaine for crunch, but spinach or kale work too. Tear leaves into bite-sized pieces.
• Tomatoes : Halve cherry tomatoes for bursts of sweetness.
• Red Onion : Dice finely to avoid overpowering the salad. Soak in ice water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness.

Expert Tip: Chop vegetables ahead of time and store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh for up to four days.

4. Make the Creamy Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together:
  • ⅓ cup mayo (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Customize It :

• Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard for depth.
• Swap lemon juice for apple cider vinegar for a tangier kick.

5. Assemble the Salad

• In a large bowl, combine:
  • Chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onion
  • Cooked chicken
  • Crumbled bacon
• Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and use tongs to coat the ingredients evenly, taking care not to overdress the greens.

Serving Tips :

• For meal preppers: Keep the dressing stored separately and combine it with the salad right before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crunch.
• For a low-carb option: Serve in lettuce wraps or over greens.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

• Avoid Sogginess : Toss the salad with dressing just before serving. If packing for later, layer dressing at the bottom of a jar, then veggies, chicken, and bacon.
• Bacon Alternatives : Try turkey bacon or coconut bacon for a lighter twist.
• Add-Ins : Get creative with avocado, pickles, or a sprinkle of blue cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This BLT chicken salad recipe adapts to any occasion:

• Weeknight Dinner : Pair with roasted veggies or a slice of crusty bread.
• Lunch on the Go : Pack in a mason jar with dressing at the bottom.
• Picnic Favorite : Serve in butter lettuce cups for a handheld option.

FAQs About BLT Chicken Salad

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

bsolutely! Keep the salad refrigerated in an airtight container (without dressing) for up to three days. Toss with the creamy dressing just before serving to lock in freshness and crunch.

What Can I Substitute for Mayo?

Greek yogurt or avocado mayo work well for a lighter dressing.

How Do I Keep the Lettuce Crisp?

Pat veggies dry before assembling, and avoid dressing until ready to eat.

Your New Favorite 20-Minute Meal

This BLT chicken salad recipe is more than a meal—it’s a testament to the power of simplicity. In a world that glorifies complex recipes, this dish proves that a handful of fresh ingredients and 20 minutes can yield something extraordinary.

Imagine this: You’re sitting down to a plate piled high with crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and juicy tomatoes, all tied together by a creamy dressing that feels like a hug for your taste buds. No stress, no mess, just pure satisfaction.

This salad is for the busy parent scrambling to feed their family, the professional racing against a deadline, the meal-prepper hunting for something exciting, and anyone who craves flavor without the fuss. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and most importantly, delicious .

Craving another quick lunch idea? Try our Tuna Tostadas Recipe: Your New Favorite 20-Minute Lunch for a zesty, crunchy alternative.

So, the next time life feels overwhelming, turn to this recipe. This salad is proof that great food doesn’t need to be fussy—it’s all about fresh ingredients and smart shortcuts.And when you take that first bite? You’ll wonder how something so simple became so essential.

Now, it’s your turn. Grab that skillet, toss those veggies, and savor the magic of a 20-minute meal that tastes like a labor of love.