Crispy Bacon Chicken Salad (Printer-Friendly)

A vibrant dish featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken breast, fresh mixed greens, and creamy dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lb)
02 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon

→ Salad

03 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 avocado, diced
07 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Dressing

08 - 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing

→ Seasonings & Oil

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry, then rub evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
03 - Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - While chicken bakes, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
05 - In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
06 - Arrange sliced chicken breasts and chopped bacon atop the salad mixture.
07 - Drizzle salad with ranch dressing just before serving, tossing gently to combine or serving dressing on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It hits that perfect spot between feeling indulgent with bacon and cheese while still being packed with fresh greens
  • The crispy salty bacon plays so beautifully with the creamy avocado and cool ranch dressing
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest for those five minutes is not optional. I cut into one immediately once and all the juices ran out onto the cutting board leaving me with dry meat.
  • Do not dress the salad until you are ready to serve. The greens wilt so fast once they hit that dressing and nobody wants a sad soggy salad.
03 -
  • Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in the microwave and saves you so much time
  • If you are meal prepping keep the dressing separate and add it right before eating. The salad will stay fresh for days this way
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