Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing. This salad is not only tasty but also versatile, making it perfect for meals at home, picnics, or potlucks. With its creamy dressing and crunchy ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad because it’s quick and simple to prepare. Using rotisserie chicken saves time, and the combination of flavors is truly satisfying. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken, and the addition of bacon adds a nice crunch. Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon pieces
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp green onion
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dill powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (more to taste)
- Dash of pepper
- Optional: 2-3 burrito size tortillas if making pinwheels
Directions:
- Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon pieces, green onion, celery, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients: mayo, plain Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dill powder, sea salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well mixed.
- If you’re making pinwheels, lay out a burrito size tortilla and spread the chicken salad over it to cover.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
You can serve this Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad in several ways. It’s tasty on its own, but it’s also great as a filling in a sandwich or served in lettuce wraps. If you’ve made pinwheels, slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve as a fun appetizer.
How to Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
To store the Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may separate a little.
Tips to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
- Use cooked chicken from a store-bought rotisserie for ease.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon or cheese to suit your preference.
- For added crunch, consider including nuts or chopped bell peppers.
- If you like it spicier, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
Variation
For a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayo if you want to reduce calories or increase protein. You could also add other vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes, you can use canned chicken, but shredded rotisserie chicken adds more flavor.
Q: How can I make this salad gluten-free?
A: The salad itself is gluten-free, but if you’re using tortillas for pinwheels, make sure to choose gluten-free tortillas.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing. It’s best served fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken Using store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to adjust the amount based on preference.
- 1/2 cup bacon pieces Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch.
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped For added crunch.
- 3 tbsp green onion Chopped for flavor.
- 1/3 cup mayo Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt For creaminess.
- 1/4 cup creamy ranch dressing Adds creaminess and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder For seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp dill powder Adds flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder For a subtle onion flavor.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt Adjust to taste.
- Dash N/A pepper To taste.
- 2-3 N/A burrito size tortillas (optional) For pinwheels.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by shredding the rotisserie chicken into small pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon pieces, green onion, celery, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients: mayo, plain Greek yogurt, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, dill powder, sea salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well mixed.
- If you’re making pinwheels, lay out a burrito size tortilla and spread the chicken salad over it to cover.
