Name: BLT Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooked chicken breast; Bacon strips; Mayonnaise; Fresh lettuce; Roma tomatoes; Red onion; Celery; Fresh croissants

BLT chicken salad sandwich on golden croissant with bacon lettuce tomato and chicken salad bowl | lonerecipes.com

I first created this BLT Chicken Salad recipe during a particularly busy summer when I was trying to come up with satisfying lunch options that didn't require any cooking. I had been making regular chicken salad for years, but it always felt like something was missing - it needed more personality, more excitement. One day, while I was preparing separate BLT sandwiches and chicken salad for a family picnic, inspiration struck. Why not combine these two beloved classics into one incredible sandwich? The concept seemed so obvious once I thought of it, but I'd never seen it done before. I started with my tried-and-true chicken salad base - tender poached chicken, good mayonnaise, a touch of Dijon mustard, and plenty of fresh herbs. Then I began experimenting with the BLT elements. The bacon was easy - I just cooked it until perfectly crispy and crumbled it right into the chicken mixture. The lettuce and tomatoes, I decided, would be better as fresh additions rather than mixed in, to maintain their crispness and bright flavor. The first time I assembled the complete sandwich, layering that creamy, bacon-studded chicken salad with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices on a buttery croissant, I knew I had created something special. The combination of textures and flavors was absolutely perfect - the smoky bacon enhanced the chicken without overpowering it, while the fresh vegetables added that essential crunch and brightness that makes a BLT so irresistible.

Why I love this recipe

What I absolutely love about this BLT Chicken Salad is how it takes two comfort food classics and creates something that's somehow better than the sum of its parts. There's something so satisfying about the way the smoky, salty bacon enhances the tender chicken, while the creamy dressing ties everything together in the most delicious way. I love how this recipe gives you all the satisfaction of a hearty chicken salad sandwich but with the fresh, bright flavors that make a BLT so irresistible. The textural contrast is what really gets me excited - you have that creamy, rich chicken salad against the crispy bacon, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all nestled in a flaky, buttery croissant. It's like a party in your mouth with every single bite. What makes this recipe even more special to me is its incredible versatility. You can make the chicken salad component ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. I also love how you can adapt it to different occasions - serve it on fancy croissants for a ladies' lunch, stuff it into pita pockets for a casual meal, or even serve it over greens for a lighter dinner. The fact that it requires no cooking (assuming you use rotisserie chicken) makes it perfect for hot summer days when you want something substantial but don't want to turn on the oven. This recipe has become my signature dish for potlucks and picnics because it's always a crowd-pleaser and generates so many recipe requests. There's something deeply satisfying about watching people take that first bite and seeing their faces light up with surprise and delight.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Cooked chicken breast: Dice into bite-sized pieces or use rotisserie chicken for convenience
Bacon strips: Cook until crispy, then crumble into small pieces for even distribution
Mayonnaise: Use good quality mayo as the creamy base that binds everything together
Fresh croissants: Split carefully and optionally toast for extra texture
Fresh lettuce: Wash and dry thoroughly for crisp texture and fresh flavor
Roma tomatoes: Slice thick and pat dry to prevent sandwich from becoming soggy

Let's Make These Together

Start with perfectly crispy bacon: Cook your bacon strips over medium heat until they're gorgeously crispy and golden. You want them crispy enough to crumble nicely but not burnt. Drain them well on paper towels and let them cool completely before crumbling - this prevents the fat from making your chicken salad greasy.
Mix your chicken salad base: In a large bowl, combine your diced chicken (rotisserie works great for convenience!), the crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, finely diced red onion, and chopped celery. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly, and season with salt and pepper. The key is getting every piece coated with that creamy goodness.
Let the flavors meld: Pop that chicken salad mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time isn't just about temperature - it's when all those amazing flavors start to come together and create something truly special. Trust me, this step makes a huge difference!
Prep your fresh components: While the chicken salad is chilling, wash and thoroughly dry your lettuce leaves, and slice those tomatoes nice and thick. Here's a pro tip: pat those tomato slices dry with paper towels to keep your sandwich from getting soggy. Fresh, crisp vegetables make all the difference!
Assemble with love: Split your croissants and layer them up! Start with lettuce on the bottom, add a generous scoop of that amazing chicken salad, top with tomato slices, and crown it with the top half of the croissant. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and perfect!

Recipe picture — Delicious BLT chicken salad sandwich with fresh ingredients and homemade chicken salad mixture | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I discovered this amazing combination completely by accident one day when I had leftover chicken salad and some bacon from breakfast still sitting on the counter. I was making a regular BLT for lunch when I looked at that chicken salad and thought, "Why not combine them?" The first bite was absolutely incredible - the smoky bacon paired so perfectly with the creamy chicken, and the fresh lettuce and tomatoes added that perfect crunch and brightness. My family thought I was crazy when I told them I was putting chicken salad on a BLT, but after they tried it, they were completely converted. Now it's become our go-to weekend lunch, especially during summer when the tomatoes are at their peak. I love how you can make the chicken salad ahead of time and just assemble the sandwiches when you're ready to eat. I've experimented with different add-ins over the years - sometimes I throw in some chopped avocado or switch up the herbs - but this classic combination remains my absolute favorite. The key is using really good bacon and not skimping on the vegetables. Last month, I served these at a lunch gathering with friends, and everyone was asking for the recipe before they even finished eating!

Perfect Pairings

This BLT Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with classic picnic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or crispy kettle chips for that satisfying crunch. Fresh fruit salad or watermelon slices provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chicken salad. For beverages, try it with iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If you're serving it for dinner, a light soup like tomato bisque or gazpacho complements the sandwich perfectly. The combination also works wonderfully with pickle spears and olives for that classic deli experience.

Creamy chicken salad mixture with colorful vegetables served on fresh croissant lunch meal | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the chicken salad ahead of time?: Absolutely! The chicken salad mixture actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight as the flavors meld together. Just store it covered and assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.
→ What's the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?: Rotisserie chicken is the easiest option and adds great flavor. If cooking your own, poach chicken breasts in seasoned water until fully cooked, then let cool completely before dicing. You can also use leftover grilled or roasted chicken.
→ Can I use a different type of bread?: Yes! While croissants add a buttery richness, you can use brioche buns, ciabatta rolls, sourdough bread, or even wrap it in tortillas. Just choose something that can hold up to the creamy filling without getting soggy.
→ How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?: Pat tomato slices dry with paper towels, don't overdress the chicken salad, and consider lightly toasting the bread. Also, assemble sandwiches just before serving rather than making them hours ahead.
→ Can I add other vegetables to the chicken salad?: Definitely! Diced bell peppers, chopped pickles, sliced green onions, or even diced avocado work wonderfully. Just add them gradually and taste as you go to maintain the right balance of flavors.

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad represents the perfect fusion of two beloved classics, creating a sandwich that's both familiar and excitingly new. The combination of tender chicken with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing creates layers of flavor and texture that make every bite interesting. It's substantial enough to be a satisfying meal yet fresh enough for warm weather dining. The versatility of this recipe means you can serve it on croissants for elegance, regular bread for comfort, or even over greens for a lighter option. This is comfort food that doesn't compromise on freshness or flavor.