When I can't decide what to make for lunch or dinner, I find myself gravitating towards comfort foods. And, this Avocado BLT Chicken Salad is the definition of "comfort food" with a twist! It puts an updated spin on traditional chicken salad by adding crispy bacon and fresh cherry tomatoes. Plus, it improves on the classic comfort of a BLT sandwich with the addition of hearty shredded chicken and creamy avocado. Make it in just about an hour!

Avocado BLT chicken salad in a green bowl with a silver serving spoon.

This perfectly balanced, easy-to-make chicken salad is truly comfort in a dish. I like to bring it to summer BBQs and cookouts since it's so easy to transport and sure to be a real crowd-pleaser. However, when craving something similar, but with more traditional chicken salad flavors, I opt to bring this cranberry pecan chicken salad instead.

BLT chicken salad is a great source of protein without sacrificing on flavor. It is far from bland, as it is packed full of shredded chicken breast, creamy avocado, and crispy thick-cut bacon. It's seasoned with just the right amount of onion powder, salt, pepper, and dijon mustard for added flavor.

This is one of the easiest chicken salads to make and is super easy to customize as well! Use leftover baked or grilled chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or even herb-seasoned Thanksgiving turkey - whatever leftovers you have on hand or like best will work great!

As part of the BLT theme, I like to add celery for lettuce-like flavor and fresh crispness without having to worry about soggy lettuce mixed in the salad itself. Though, if you don't like celery, simply leave it out!

For more of the "T" part of BLT, you can also make this into a BLT chicken salad sandwich using my homemade tomato jam or sun dried tomato aioli for a delicious tomato-infused sauce for added flavor.

If you're wondering why my chicken salad recipes don't include that crisp bite of onion, it's because I'm personally not a fan of raw onion in my salads, so I opt to leave it out. However, if that's something you enjoy, feel free to finely dice some red onion and mix it in.

Not only is this avocado chicken salad full of flavor - and a breeze to customize - it is also perfect for meal prep. Making it prior to serving allows the flavors to blend together in the fridge, just be sure to add some lemon juice to the avocado to prevent it from browning! And better yet, it can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge without turning soggy or dry. Serve it on its own, on top of salads, in wraps or sandwiches, with crackers or chips, or on toast or lettuce cups - you really can't go wrong!

Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Raw chicken breasts in a baking dish, seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Step 2: Place chicken in the baking dish. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bake chicken, uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Step 4: Add bacon in a single layer to the prepared baking sheet. Place in the same oven and bake until crispy, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Cubed chicken breast in a stand mixer bowl.

Step 5: Once chicken has cooled, shred with two forks or cut into smaller pieces and place in the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment. Set mixer to medium low speed and allow the paddle to shred the chicken. (This is my preferred method since it makes it so quick and easy!)

Step 6: Use your hands to break apart any of the larger chicken pieces. Then, use your hands to also break the cooked bacon into small pieces.

Bacon, tomatoes, celery, and avocado added to the shredded chicken in the bowl.

Step 7: Add bacon, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and celery to the bowl with the shredded chicken. Using a spoon, stir to combine.

⭐️ Quick Tip! Make sure to buy an avocado that is *just* ripe! If it's overripe, it'll become mushy as you mix the chicken salad together. You wan't a slightly hard avocado that'll hold its shape instead.

Mayonnaise and dijon mixed into the chicken salad in a mixing bowl.

Step 8: Add mayonnaise and dijon (if using). Stir again until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasonings to desired flavor.

Avocado BLT chicken salad on toasted bread with lettuce.

Step 9: Serve with crackers for scooping or on toasted bread with crisp lettuce for a sandwich.

Avocado BLT chicken salad in a green bowl.

My Top Tips!

⭐️ If you prefer a diced chicken salad, instead of shredded chicken, you can finely dice the chicken, then prepare the rest of the recipe as it is written.

⭐️ If you aren't serving this right away, squeeze some fresh lemon juice on the diced avocado, prior to adding it into the chicken salad, to prevent browning.