Name: Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon sweet relish; 1 lemon, juiced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 celery rib, diced; 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley; 8 to 10 slices turkey bacon; 2 to 3 tomatoes, sliced; 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce; 8 slices sourdough bread, toasted

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

I absolutely love making this Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe whenever I want a satisfying, fresh, and flavorful meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special. The juicy, tangy chicken salad combined with crispy turkey bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy romaine all tucked between toasted sourdough bread makes for a combination that feels like the ultimate upgrade to your everyday sandwich. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but fancy enough to serve when friends drop by. I always find myself craving it again and again because the balance of textures and flavors is just perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe

What makes this Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe so irresistible to me is the way the ingredients harmonize. The chicken salad is creamy with a delightful tang from the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, while the sweet relish adds a subtle pop of brightness. When you bite into the sandwich, the smoky, crisp turkey bacon contrasts beautifully with the fresh, crunchy romaine and juicy tomatoes. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that are both satisfying and refreshing, making it a standout compared to your usual sandwich options.

What I also adore about this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. It doesn’t demand complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it feels like a treat. Plus, it’s versatile—I often make the chicken salad ahead of time, and it actually tastes better after it has a few hours in the fridge, which means it’s great for meal prep or entertaining. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, hosting a casual brunch, or simply craving a delicious sandwich, this recipe hits the spot every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl shows four main layers: a light beige shredded chicken base spread all around at the bottom, bright green chopped celery and scallions on the right side, a bright green pile of chopped herbs in the center, and a creamy off-white dollop of mayonnaise with specks of black pepper on the bottom right. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface that fills the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe are simple but essential to achieve the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in transforming this sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary.

Mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness that binds the chicken salad together.
Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the chicken salad light with a tangy twist and a boost of protein.
Dijon mustard: Gives the salad a subtle sharpness that brightens the flavor.
Sweet relish: Brings a mild sweetness and crunch for extra interest.
Lemon juice: Provides fresh acidity to balance the richness.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing every ingredient.
Cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty base of the salad, tender and flavorful.
Green onions: Offer a mild onion bite and fresh color.
Celery rib: Adds crunch and a slightly peppery note.
Finely chopped parsley: Brings herbal brightness.
Turkey bacon: Crisp and smoky, a leaner alternative to regular bacon.
Tomatoes: Juicy and vibrant, they add freshness and acidity.
Shredded romaine lettuce: Provides crisp texture and a cool finish.
Sourdough bread: Toasted to create a crunchy exterior that perfectly holds the fillings.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of kosher salt and pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing is the heart of your chicken salad and brings a perfect balance of creaminess and tang.

Step 2: Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken, sliced green onions, diced celery, and finely chopped parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you like. I find that letting the mixture chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes really helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon slices until they’re crispy and the fat has rendered out. Remove them and drain on paper towels. Meanwhile, chop your romaine lettuce and toast the sourdough bread slices until golden and crunchy. Everything is now ready for assembly.

Step 4: Generously sprinkle the tomato slices with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and give them more depth of flavor.

Step 5: Spread about ¼ cup of the chicken salad onto one slice of toasted sourdough bread. Layer on a few of the seasoned tomato slices next, followed by several pieces of crispy turkey bacon, then a handful of shredded romaine lettuce.

Step 6: Finish by topping with the second slice of toasted bread. Press gently, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy all those wonderful textures and flavors together.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, mostly to shred the chicken and prepare the salad mix, while cooking the bacon and toasting the bread takes about 10 minutes. Overall, you’re looking at just 40 minutes total from start to finish, including chilling time which helps intensify the flavors. No lengthy resting or complicated cooking methods required, making this a great choice for both casual meals and more polished gatherings.

How to Serve This Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe

A tall sandwich with three thick slices of light brown bread stacked to make two layers, each filled with crisp green lettuce, bright red tomato slices, crispy brown bacon strips, and a creamy white salad mix with green herbs; a wooden skewer holds the sandwich together, all set on a white marbled surface with some lettuce pieces scattered around, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe, I love pairing it with fresh, vibrant side dishes that complement its rich and savory notes. Crisp dill pickles, a bowl of crunchy kettle-cooked chips, or a light cucumber and herb salad are some of my go-to options. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw work beautifully as well. These sides add texture and help balance the meal so you don’t feel weighed down.

For presentation, layering the sandwich so that each component is clearly visible makes the plate inviting and colorful, especially with the bright reds of the tomatoes and the greens of the lettuce and parsley poking out. A light dusting of freshly ground black pepper over the top adds a beautiful finishing touch. I sometimes add a few extra parsley leaves as garnish—it’s an easy way to elevate the look without any extra effort.

Beverage-wise, I find that a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy sparkling water pairs exceptionally well with this sandwich. If you’re serving this to friends for a casual lunch or brunch, iced tea with lemon or a refreshing cucumber mint lemonade are also wonderful options. I usually serve the sandwich at room temperature or slightly chilled after assembly because the cold chicken salad feels so refreshing, but toasted bread keeps it satisfyingly crisp.

Variations

I love experimenting with different twists on this Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe to keep it exciting. One of my favorite substitutions is swapping turkey bacon for vegetarian bacon or tempeh bacon for a plant-based version that still offers that smoky crunch. If you prefer a gluten-free option, any sturdy gluten-free bread or wrap works well without compromising flavor or texture.

For added flavor variations, I sometimes incorporate chopped apples or grapes into the chicken salad for a sweet, fruity contrast. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing can also give it a subtle smoky or spicy kick, depending on your mood. Another fun idea is to swap the romaine lettuce for baby spinach or arugula to bring a peppery element to the sandwich.

You could also mix things up by grilling the assembled sandwich on a panini press or in a skillet, giving the bread an extra crunch and warming the filling just slightly. This changes the texture and temperature dynamic beautifully, especially on cooler days when a warm sandwich feels extra comforting.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing the chicken salad separately from the bread and lettuce to keep everything fresh and crunchy. Use an airtight container and refrigerate the chicken salad for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more in the fridge, making for delicious sandwiches in the next couple of days.

Freezing

Freezing this chicken salad isn’t ideal because the texture of the mayo and yogurt can change significantly after thawing. If you want to save time in the future, it’s better to freeze just the cooked chicken before mixing it into the salad, and then combine fresh ingredients when you’re ready to serve. This keeps the sandwich tasting its best without compromising texture.

Reheating

Since this sandwich relies on cold chicken salad, reheating usually means warming the bacon and bread separately if desired. I recommend crisping the turkey bacon in a skillet and toasting the bread again briefly before assembling the sandwich fresh. Avoid reheating the chicken salad directly to preserve its creamy texture and freshness. Serving the sandwich at room temperature or slightly chilled maintains the best balance of flavors.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the chicken salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds delicious flavor and saves time. Just make sure to shred it finely and remove any skin or bones before mixing it into the salad.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

While this exact Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe uses mayo and Greek yogurt, you can make it vegan by substituting vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based yogurt alternative. Swap turkey bacon for crispy tempeh or coconut bacon and use your favorite vegan bread to keep it deliciously plant-based.

Is turkey bacon necessary or can I use regular bacon?

You can definitely use regular bacon if you prefer a more traditional, richer smoky flavor. Just be mindful of the extra fat and calories if that’s a concern. Turkey bacon is leaner but still delivers great crispiness and flavor.

How far in advance can I prepare the chicken salad?

Preparing the chicken salad a day ahead actually makes it taste better as the flavors have time to meld. I won’t keep it longer than 3 days in the fridge for the best taste and freshness.

What bread types work best for this sandwich?

Sourdough is my favorite because its slight tang complements the chicken salad well, and it toasts up beautifully crispy. That said, sturdy whole grain, multigrain, or even a hearty baguette can all work perfectly depending on your preference.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Chicken Salad BLT Sandwich Recipe enough—it’s truly become a personal favorite in my kitchen. The way the creamy, tangy chicken salad pairs with crispy bacon and fresh veggies is pure comfort and joy wrapped up in toasted bread. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or something special to share, this sandwich delivers every single time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple you’ll want to make over and over again!