Chicken B L T
A flavorful chicken pasta salad with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and a tangy dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freeze dried chives ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 8 ounces pasta twists ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon
- 3 cups romaine, Boston, or iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 1 large tomato ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the chicken breasts, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked. Remove, cool, and cut into pieces.
- Boil water and cook pasta twists for about 10 minutes until firm and tender. Drain well.
- Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels. Break into small pieces.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, water, barbecue sauce, white vinegar, freeze dried chives, garlic powder, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add cooked pasta to the dressing and toss to coat.
- Add the cooked chicken, bacon pieces, chopped lettuce, and chopped tomato. Toss everything together to mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be used instead of boiling your own. For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. You can also experiment with different types of lettuce or add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken B L T chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal. It's great on its own or can be paired with a side of crispy potato wedges or a light vegetable salad. For a heartier option, serve alongside Chicken Coronado for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and pasta mixture in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Fresh toppings like lettuce and tomato should be added just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken B L T contains roughly 1035 calories, with 44g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (196% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2200mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken, pasta, and dressing in advance. Just combine them with the fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomato right before serving to keep everything crisp and flavorful.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you're looking for a bacon alternative, crispy turkey bacon or smoked tofu can provide a similar savory flavor. Alternatively, you can skip the bacon entirely for a lighter version without compromising the dish's essence.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken B L T can be portioned into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Just remember to keep the fresh ingredients separate until you're ready to eat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).