Crispy Bacon Chicken Salad (Printable)

Vibrant salad combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and creamy dressing.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

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

→ Salad

03 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 avocado, diced
07 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Dressing

08 - ½ cup creamy ranch dressing

→ Seasonings & Oil

09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between warm spiced chicken and cool crisp greens hits different
  • Breadcrumbs and bacon add crunch without the heaviness of a crouton-loaded salad
  • Comes together in under 40 minutes even on a weeknight
02 -
  • Dont skip resting the chicken or those juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in every bite
  • Warm sliced chicken over cold greens creates that restaurant quality contrast but serve it immediately before the heat wilts the greens
03 -
  • Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is actually at 400F since inaccurate temps lead to dry chicken
  • Chill your salad bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembling for restaurant style presentation
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