Crispy Bacon Chicken Salad (Printable)

Vibrant salad combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh greens, and creamy dressing.

# What You'll 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 (e.g., romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 avocado, diced
07 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Dressing

08 - 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

→ 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 (200°C).
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub them evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
03 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - While the chicken cooks, crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. 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 and chopped bacon over the salad mixture.
07 - Drizzle with ranch dressing just before serving. Toss gently if desired, or serve dressing on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Bacon and chicken together hit every craving for savory, crispy, and satisfying in one bowl.
  • It comes together in 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something that tastes intentional.
  • You can prep components ahead and assemble just before eating, so it's flexible for busy schedules.
02 -
  • Avocado oxidizes and browns within minutes of being cut, so slice it just before assembly or keep it separate until the last second.
  • Don't dress the salad until you're ready to eat it—even ranch dressing will make greens limp and sad if they sit together for more than a few minutes.
  • A meat thermometer removes all the guesswork from chicken doneness and prevents the dry, overcooked mess that ruins everything else on the plate.
03 -
  • Toast your chicken seasoning in the pan before you rub it on if you want the flavors to taste deeper and more intentional.
  • Cook bacon in a cold skillet and let it come up to temperature slowly for more even crispness and less splattering.
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