Introduction
Craving a fresh, hearty salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or a light Valentine’s Day meal? Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad is your answer! Adapted from the original recipe, this slow cooker version features tender, slow-cooked chicken combined with crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, and a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and spices. The slow cooker simplifies the chicken preparation, ensuring juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy days or casual gatherings. Ready to create this delicious masterpiece? Let’s get cooking!
Overview
Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad is a wholesome, American-inspired dish that transforms the classic BLT sandwich into a satisfying salad. Slow-cooked chicken is mixed with crisp bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, and a creamy dressing, delivering bold flavors and textures. The slow cooker ensures tender chicken, making this recipe perfect for quick lunches, dinners, meal prep, or a romantic Valentine’s Day meal with a fresh, handheld twist.
- Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high, plus 15 minutes for assembly.
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Requires minimal prep, with the slow cooker handling the chicken cooking.
- Why It’s Special: This recipe is budget-friendly, low-carb adaptable (without bread), and combines the beloved flavors of a BLT with the heartiness of a chicken salad. The slow cooker ensures juicy chicken, while the fresh veggies and bacon add crunch and savoriness. It’s perfect for quick meals, picnics, or a light Valentine’s Day dish with a classic, crowd-pleasing vibe.
Whether you’re packing lunch or planning a cozy meal, this Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive in!
Essential Ingredients
The magic of Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad lies in its fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each one adds flavor, texture, or creaminess to create a balanced dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, chopped, ~1.5 lbs raw chicken breast or thighs):
- Why it’s important: Provides a tender, protein-rich base.
- Substitutions: Turkey, tofu, or plant-based chicken for vegetarian.
- Bacon (1 lb, diced and cooked until crisp):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, crispy texture and savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or vegan bacon bits.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, cut in half):
- Why it’s important: Brings juicy, sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Red Onion (½ small, diced small, ~¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds sharp, savory crunch.
- Substitutions: Shallots, green onions, or omit for milder flavor.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced, ~½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides crisp texture and subtle freshness.
- Substitutions: Cucumber, fennel, or jicama.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup, light or regular):
- Why it’s important: Creates a creamy, tangy dressing base.
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo, or sour cream.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bright, tangy flavor to the dressing.
- Substitutions: White vinegar or lime juice.
- Salt (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the salad.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds savory, aromatic depth to the dressing.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or ¼ tsp garlic paste.
- Onion Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings subtle, savory sweetness to the dressing.
- Substitutions: 1 tbsp grated onion or ¼ tsp onion flakes.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Additional for Slow Cooker:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless, for cooking):
- Why it’s important: Base for the cooked chicken in the salad.
- Substitutions: Bone-in chicken (increase cooking time by 1 hour on low).
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or white wine.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp, for slow cooker):
- Why it’s important: Adds subtle flavor to the chicken.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or omit.
Tip: Use light mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option, and cook bacon until extra crisp to maintain texture in the salad. Dice vegetables finely for a cohesive mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad is straightforward, with the slow cooker ensuring tender, flavorful chicken. Follow these steps for a delicious result.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, and add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth for moisture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (165°F/74°C internally).
- Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces (yielding ~3 cups). Set aside to cool completely.
- Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, and drain excess liquid if needed to prevent a watery salad.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Dice 1 lb bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Set aside to cool.
- Tip: Cook bacon in batches to ensure even crisping, and save a little bacon grease for flavoring other dishes if desired.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for extra tang if needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Tip: Start with less salt and pepper, as bacon and chicken add saltiness, and adjust after mixing the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, crispy bacon, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup diced red onion, and ½ cup diced celery.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and stir gently with a spatula or tongs until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or mayonnaise if desired for extra creaminess.
- Tip: Mix gently to avoid breaking the chicken or bacon, and add tomatoes and celery last to maintain their texture.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the BLT chicken salad immediately for the freshest flavor, either on its own, in lettuce cups, on toasted bread, or with crackers.
- Alternatively, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for a cooler, more cohesive salad.
- Garnish with extra bacon crumbles or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
- Pair with a side of fruit salad, cucumber slices, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Tip: Serve in heart-shaped lettuce cups or on heart-shaped bread for a romantic Valentine’s Day touch.
Assembly
Assembling Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad is all about creating a fresh, flavorful dish. Here’s how to bring it together:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery for a colorful, textured base.
- Add Dressing: Pour the creamy mayonnaise dressing over the mixture, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the salad into bowls, lettuce cups, or onto bread, ensuring each portion has a mix of chicken, bacon, and veggies.
- Presentation Tips:
- Use wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant tomatoes and bacon.
- Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, picnic-style vibe, or on croissants for a decadent touch.
- Pair with a Caprese salad, coleslaw, or fresh berries for a complete meal, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Tip: For a romantic touch, shape the salad into a heart using a mold or garnish with a heart-shaped tomato slice for Valentine’s Day.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad fresh and ready to enjoy with these tips:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days. Do not leave out for more than 2 hours to ensure safety.
- Reheating: This salad is served cold, so no reheating is needed. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Chicken: Cook chicken a day ahead, refrigerate, and chop when ready to assemble.
- Bacon: Cook bacon a day ahead, store in an airtight container at room temperature, and crumble before mixing.
- Dressing: Prepare the dressing up to 2 days ahead, refrigerate, and whisk before using.
- Veggies: Dice tomatoes, onion, and celery a day ahead, refrigerate separately, and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh veggies like tomatoes and celery may separate or become watery upon thawing. Freeze only the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, then thaw and combine with fresh ingredients.
Tip: Use leftovers in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes, and repurpose extra dressing as a dip for veggies or a spread for burgers.
Recipe Variations
Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and easy to customize. Try these creative twists:
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include diced avocado, shredded lettuce, or cucumber for extra freshness.
- Cheese Addition: Stir in ¼ cup shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for chickpeas or plant-based chicken, use vegetable broth in the slow cooker, and replace bacon with vegan bacon bits. Cook for 3–4 hours on low.
- Avocado Twist: Replace half the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamier, healthier dressing.
Tip: Keep the bacon and tomatoes for the BLT vibe, but adjust proteins or veggies to suit your taste.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to make Slow Cooker BLT Chicken Salad—a dish that’s as fresh as it is delicious! With its tender chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy lemony dressing, this recipe brings classic BLT flavors to your table in a hearty, salad form with minimal effort. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep with a light, satisfying twist. Customize with spices, veggies, or proteins to make it your own, and enjoy the process as much as the meal. Grab your slow cooker, whip up this flavorful masterpiece, and savor every creamy, crunchy bite. Happy cooking!
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BLT Chicken Salad
Description
Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken (3 cups, chopped, ~1.5 lbs raw chicken breast or thighs):
- Why it’s important: Provides a tender, protein-rich base.
- Substitutions: Turkey, tofu, or plant-based chicken for vegetarian.
- Bacon (1 lb, diced and cooked until crisp):
- Why it’s important: Adds smoky, crispy texture and savory flavor.
- Substitutions: Turkey bacon, pancetta, or vegan bacon bits.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, cut in half):
- Why it’s important: Brings juicy, sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Substitutions: Grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Red Onion (½ small, diced small, ~¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Adds sharp, savory crunch.
- Substitutions: Shallots, green onions, or omit for milder flavor.
- Celery (2 stalks, diced, ~½ cup):
- Why it’s important: Provides crisp texture and subtle freshness.
- Substitutions: Cucumber, fennel, or jicama.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup, light or regular):
- Why it’s important: Creates a creamy, tangy dressing base.
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt, vegan mayo, or sour cream.
- Lemon Juice (1 tbsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds bright, tangy flavor to the dressing.
- Substitutions: White vinegar or lime juice.
- Salt (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Enhances the flavors of the salad.
- Substitutions: Sea salt or kosher salt.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds savory, aromatic depth to the dressing.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or ¼ tsp garlic paste.
- Onion Powder (½ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Brings subtle, savory sweetness to the dressing.
- Substitutions: 1 tbsp grated onion or ¼ tsp onion flakes.
- Black Pepper (¼ tsp):
- Why it’s important: Adds mild heat and depth.
- Substitutions: White pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Additional for Slow Cooker:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless, for cooking):
- Why it’s important: Base for the cooked chicken in the salad.
- Substitutions: Bone-in chicken (increase cooking time by 1 hour on low).
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (¼ cup):
- Why it’s important: Keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Substitutions: Water or white wine.
- Garlic Powder (½ tsp, for slow cooker):
- Why it’s important: Adds subtle flavor to the chicken.
- Substitutions: 1 minced garlic clove or omit.
Tip: Use light mayonnaise for a lower-calorie option, and cook bacon until extra crisp to maintain texture in the salad. Dice vegetables finely for a cohesive mix.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
- Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle with ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper, and add ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth for moisture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (165°F/74°C internally).
- Remove the chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces (yielding ~3 cups). Set aside to cool completely.
- Tip: Check doneness early to avoid overcooking, and drain excess liquid if needed to prevent a watery salad.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Dice 1 lb bacon into small pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Set aside to cool.
- Tip: Cook bacon in batches to ensure even crisping, and save a little bacon grease for flavoring other dishes if desired.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp lemon juice, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for extra tang if needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Tip: Start with less salt and pepper, as bacon and chicken add saltiness, and adjust after mixing the salad.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups chopped cooked chicken, crispy bacon, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup diced red onion, and ½ cup diced celery.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and stir gently with a spatula or tongs until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or mayonnaise if desired for extra creaminess.
- Tip: Mix gently to avoid breaking the chicken or bacon, and add tomatoes and celery last to maintain their texture.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the BLT chicken salad immediately for the freshest flavor, either on its own, in lettuce cups, on toasted bread, or with crackers.
- Alternatively, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes for a cooler, more cohesive salad.
- Garnish with extra bacon crumbles or a sprinkle of parsley if desired.
- Pair with a side of fruit salad, cucumber slices, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
- Tip: Serve in heart-shaped lettuce cups or on heart-shaped bread for a romantic Valentine’s Day touch.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of slow-cooked?
A: Yes! Use 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken to skip the slow cooker step, though slow-cooked chicken adds extra tenderness.
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: It’s protein-rich and veggie-packed but moderate in fat due to mayonnaise and bacon. Use light mayo, Greek yogurt, or less bacon for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: The slow cooker is better for tender chicken, but use the “Slow Cooker” function with the same times. Pressure cooking may overcook the chicken.
Q: Why is my salad watery?
A: Excess liquid from tomatoes or chicken can thin the salad. Drain tomatoes well and cool chicken completely before mixing.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes! Swap chicken for chickpeas or plant-based chicken, use vegetable broth, vegan mayo, and vegan bacon bits. Cook for 3–4 hours on low.
Q: What sides go well with this dish?
A: Pair with a fruit salad, sweet potato fries, or garlic bread. A glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon complements the fresh flavors, perfect for a Valentine’s Day meal!
