This BLT chicken salad recipe is an easy, flavorful dish made with just five ingredients: chicken, mayonnaise, bacon, tomatoes, and black pepper. Bright tomatoes and crisp bacon combine with seasoned shredded chicken and creamy mayo for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for paleo or Whole30 if you choose compliant ingredients.
If you enjoy the familiar flavors of a BLT, you’ll love this BLT chicken salad.
Unlike a sandwich, this salad delivers the classic BLT taste with added protein so it’s more filling. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover seasoned chicken, or chicken cooked specifically for this recipe — the key is to use flavorful, seasoned meat rather than plain boiled chicken.
The formula is straightforward and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or casual family meals.
Grab these 5 ingredients
(Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast: Cooked, shredded, and seasoned chicken works best. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option.
- Bacon: Choose medium- to thick-cut bacon so the pieces hold up in the salad. If following Whole30, use compliant bacon.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended to avoid excess juice; halve or quarter them depending on size.
- Mayonnaise: Use your preferred mayo; an avocado-based mayo is a tasty alternative.
- Ground black pepper: Freshly ground adds the most flavor, but use what you have on hand.
Optional additions: chopped green onions or diced pickles for extra flavor, and lettuce or gluten-free bread for serving.
Making the BLT chicken salad
(See the recipe card below for full written instructions and measurements.)
Preparing this salad is simple, especially if you already have cooked bacon. Below is an overview of the steps.
Don’t use bland chicken
This salad works best when the chicken is already seasoned. Use rotisserie, brined and baked, or grilled chicken for the most flavor. Plain boiled chicken will make a milder, less satisfying salad.
Side dishes that pair well
This five-ingredient chicken salad pairs well with a range of sides:
- Crunchy snacks like potato chips or carrot sticks,
- A light apple-broccoli slaw to keep the meal cool,
- Or a warm, comforting soup such as loaded potato soup.
If you try this BLT chicken salad, leave a star rating and a comment to share how it turned out. Enjoy this simple, classic-flavored salad that comes together quickly with just five ingredients.
5 Ingredient BLT Chicken Salad
Equipment
- A rimmed baking sheet
- Foil
- A large mixing bowl
- A sharp knife
- A cutting board
- A pair of tongs
- Paper towels
- A large plate
- A measuring cup
- A measuring spoon
- A large spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked, shredded, seasoned chicken breast
- 12 oz medium- to thick-cut bacon
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup mayo
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional
- 1 head lettuce (romaine or green leaf)
- gluten-free bread
- chopped scallions
- finely diced pickle or shallot
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the bacon. Line a rimmed sheet pan with foil and arrange bacon in a single layer. Place the pan in a cold oven, close the door, and set the oven to 400°F. Bake until the bacon reaches your preferred crispness, typically 17–22 minutes depending on thickness.
- While the bacon cooks, place the cooked shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Wash and halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the bowl with the chicken.
- If serving on lettuce, wash and chop the lettuce and set aside. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels for the cooked bacon.
- When the bacon is done, use tongs to transfer it to the paper towel-lined plate and let it drain and cool for a couple of minutes. Chop the bacon into small pieces and add to the bowl with chicken and tomatoes.
- Add the mayo and ground black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
- Serve immediately or add optional chopped scallions or diced pickle. Serve on lettuce, between slices of gluten-free bread, or enjoy straight from the bowl.
Notes
- This chicken salad calls for seasoned chicken. Use rotisserie, brined and baked, or grilled chicken for best results.
- If following Whole30, be sure both the bacon and mayo are compliant.