– **Title**: BLT Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
– Optional: Croutons for topping
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.
2. In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine until everything is evenly coated.
4. If desired, fold in the sliced green onions for added flavor.
5. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and top with croutons if using.
6. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds great flavor. You could also use leftover grilled chicken or even canned chicken in a pinch. Just make sure to drain it well.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a good substitute. It won’t be as rich, but it still offers that tasty crunch.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp romaine provides a nice crunch. If you prefer, you can swap it for iceberg lettuce or even spinach for a different texture and taste.
Red Onion: Red onions bring a bit of zing. If you find them too strong, try using green onions or sweet onions for a milder flavor.
Mayonnaise: Traditional mayonnaise offers a creamy base. If you want a lighter touch, Greek yogurt works well. You could also use an avocado mash for a twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds richness. If you’re not a fan, you could leave it out or use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack.
How Do I Get the Bread Perfectly Grilled?
To achieve that golden-brown, crispy texture, pay close attention to the bread grilling process. The butter helps create a nice crust while keeping the inside soft.
- Use medium heat—too high, and the bread will burn; too low, and it won’t get crispy.
- Butter the bread generously before grilling. More butter = more flavor!
- Don’t rush it! Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip carefully to keep the filling intact.
- If you want extra melty cheese, cover the skillet for a minute, trapping heat and steam.
How to Make a Delicious BLT Chicken Salad Sandwich
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 slices of bread (your choice: white, whole grain, or sourdough)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Butter for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to grill. In total, you can enjoy your delicious sandwich in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomato, and red onion. Give it a good stir to mix everything up nicely.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This dressing will add lots of flavor!
3. Combine the Dressing and Salad:
Pour the dressing over your chicken salad mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are coated and combined. Set this bowl aside for now while you prepare to grill the sandwiches.
4. Preheat the Skillet:
Heat up your skillet or griddle on medium heat. While it’s warming, butter one side of each slice of bread generously. This butter will make your sandwiches perfectly crispy!
5. Start Grilling the Sandwiches:
Once the skillet is hot, lay down two slices of bread butter-side down in the pan. If you wish to include cheese, sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar on top of each slice.
6. Add the Chicken Salad Mixture:
Spoon a generous amount of your delicious BLT chicken salad mixture onto the bread in the skillet. Make it as thick as you want—more filling means more yum!
7. Finish Assembling:
If you’re using cheese, top the salad with the remaining cheese. Then place the other two slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
8. Grill to Perfection:
Let the sandwiches grill for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown and crispy bread, while the cheese melts beautifully inside. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
9. Serve Your Sandwiches:
Once done, carefully remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Slice them in half for easy eating and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty BLT Chicken Salad Sandwich!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and toss it with the other ingredients. This makes the sandwich super quick and convenient!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. It will give your salad a nice tang while keeping it creamy. You can also use avocado or hummus for a different flavor profile!
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the bread from getting soggy, it’s best to separate the salad from the bread until you’re ready to eat. You can also use the salad as a topping for greens or crackers!
Can I Make This Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the chicken salad mixture in advance! Just prepare it up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, grill your bread fresh for the best texture!
