Crispy Bacon Chicken Salad (Print View)

A flavorful, fresh salad featuring crispy bacon, juicy chicken, mixed greens, and creamy dressing.

# Components:

→ 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 - 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

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Set oven to 400°F.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry and 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 juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - Meanwhile, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
05 - In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
06 - Arrange sliced chicken and chopped bacon over the salad.
07 - Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad before serving. Toss gently to combine or serve dressing on the side as preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a restaurant salad but comes together faster than ordering delivery.
  • The bacon-to-greens ratio hits that perfect balance between healthy and genuinely satisfying.
  • One bowl covers your protein, vegetables, and that creamy element everything needs to feel complete.
02 -
  • Timing matters—the warm chicken over cold greens creates this perfect contrast that makes the salad feel more complete than it sounds.
  • Add the dressing at the very end or everything gets soggy within minutes, which defeats the whole point of having crispy bacon.
  • If you're making this ahead, keep the components separate and assemble right before eating.
03 -
  • Pat your chicken dry before seasoning—wet chicken won't brown properly, and that golden exterior is where the flavor lives.
  • Toast your bacon in the oven at 400°F on a separate sheet if you're making this for a crowd; it's faster and less chaotic than babysitting a skillet.
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