Crispy Bacon Chicken Salad (Print Version)

A hearty blend of crispy bacon, succulent chicken, fresh greens, and creamy dressing for a balanced plate.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 lbs)
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 (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 - Set oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Place chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and juices run clear. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - While chicken bakes, cook bacon 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, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, and shredded cheddar cheese.
06 - Top salad with sliced chicken breast and chopped bacon.
07 - Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently or serve dressing on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crispy bacon and juicy chicken together are genuinely hard to resist, and they make every other ingredient taste better.
  • You can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes, and most of that is hands-off cooking time.
  • It works as a filling main course salad, so no second course needed, and leftovers actually taste great the next day.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad too early or the greens will wilt and get soggy before you eat—add dressing moments before serving.
  • The chicken needs to rest after cooking, not just for food safety but because it stays tender and juicy when you let it sit for a few minutes.
03 -
  • Let your chicken rest after cooking—those 5 minutes make the difference between dry and juicy.
  • Toast the bacon in a cold pan so it cooks evenly and stays crispy instead of burning on the edges.
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