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This chicken BLT mashup takes your favorite sandwich flavors and mixes them with juicy chicken in a creamy, rich sauce that keeps you full and smiling every time. You get tender chicken holding onto every bit of the tasty dressing, plus crispy bacon bringing a bold, smoky bite and that salty crunch everyone loves. Toss in fresh tomato chunks for zip, then coat it all with smooth avocado pieces and a zesty mayo blend. The result? A super easy lunch or a hearty, on-the-go bite that fights off hunger any time you need it.
This dish was born during one of those weeks when my schedule was overflowing, and I needed something ready to grab. Shockingly, my husband—who's usually not into cold lunches—ate this for three days straight. Even my famously-picky niece devoured her whole plate and asked if she could take some back for her dorm.
Tasty Essentials
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the creamy glue holding everything together and packs in those classic tangy flavors.
- Green Onions: Lend a gentle onion taste, but without that raw onion sharpness.
- Black Pepper: Gives a mellow spicy kick that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Ranch Seasoning: Brings a herby, spiced-up punch to your dressing so it's never boring.
- Ripe Avocado: Makes the whole thing smooth and rich while adding those healthy fats that fill you up.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Give you juicy pops of freshness that keep things bright and lively.
- Bacon: Adds the iconic smoky, crunchy, and salty BLT vibe that makes this dish pop.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Already cooked so you save time; breaks apart easily and soaks up all that flavor.
How To Make It
- Serve It Up
- Just before you dig in, give it a quick, gentle mix and stash it in lettuce leaves, on a toasted bun, or with crackers for scooping.
- Chill It Well
- Put it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors really become friends.
- Add Avocado
- Stir in those avocado chunks at the very end, either before chilling or right before you eat it.
- Blend Tomatoes
- Carefully mix in the tomato pieces so they don't fall apart.
- Mix It All Up
- Combine the green onions, crispy bacon, and chopped chicken right into your bowl of dressing.
- Make The Sauce
- Whisk together mayo, ranch mix, garlic powder, and black pepper till you have a creamy sauce.
- Cut Everything
- Chop up your tomatoes, cube those avocados, and slice your green onions.
- Get Chicken Ready
- Pull apart your cooked chicken into small bits—perfect for scooping.
- Start With Bacon
- Fry up your bacon nice and crispy, blot it dry, and chop it up small.
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A college friend once showed me how adding smoked paprika to any mayo dressing takes things up a notch. Now I never skip it. Just a pinch makes the bacon taste even smokier, especially in spots with less bacon.
Serving Ideas
Try stacking it on cucumber slices for a fun snack. Scoop some into half an avocado shell for a fresh lunch. Or drop spoonfuls into cooked pasta shells, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a cozy twist.
Ways To Switch It Up
Use part Greek yogurt for half the mayo if you like things a bit tangier. Mix in feta and olives for a Greek-inspired change. Or throw in black beans, corn, cumin, and lime juice for a southwest spin.
Staying Fresh
Keep it in glass with a tight lid for best results. If packing lunches, keep crackers or veggie dippers in a different bag. For the freshest taste, add the avocado and tomatoes right before you eat.
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This chicken BLT bowl mixes quick prep with real satisfaction, turning simple stuff into something totally crave-worthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use canned chicken if I don’t have rotisserie?
- Totally—canned chicken works, but it’s not as tasty or juicy. Make sure to drain off extra liquid and break apart the chunks before mixing. Throw in extra seasoning if you’re using canned to bump up the flavor.
- → How long can chicken salad stay good in the fridge?
- This salad keeps in a closed container for about 3–4 days in the fridge. The only thing is the avocado browns fast, so only add it when you’re about to eat. Mix the rest ahead if you’re prepping for later.
- → How do I make this dish dairy-free?
- Sure! Skip the Greek yogurt and use all mayo (around 3/4 cup). A dairy-free mayo swap works fine, too. Don’t forget to check the ranch seasoning—some have dairy, so use an herb blend if you need to.
- → What fun ways can I serve this BLT chicken salad?
- Try scooping it with tortilla chips, cucumber slices, or crackers. Spoon it into big lettuce leaves for wraps, spread it on toasted bread, or dump it over a bunch of salad greens—so many choices.
- → Is this good for meal prepping a week’s worth of lunches?
- For sure! Make it ahead on the weekend, keep the avocado separate, and add it fresh every day. Pack your veggies or crackers in their own container so they stay crisp.
- → How do I make it lighter with fewer calories?
- Use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayo if you want to cut back. Drop the bacon to just a few strips, and toss in things like celery or cucumber so you still get that crunch but fewer calories.