Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad – packed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and creamy ranch dressing. This chicken salad is delicious as a sandwich, on a salad, or with any of your favorite dippers!
When I think about lunchtime favorites, chicken salad i definitely at the top of my list. I love it any way I can get it… from classic Rotisserie Chicken Salad to BLT Chicken Salad to Chicken Salad with Grapes. And this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad is my new favorite.
Not only because you can’t go wrong with the bacon cheddar ranch flavor combo… but because it literally couldn’t be easier to make! All you need is six ingredients and 10 minutes or less, and you have yourself a delicious keto snack or lunch you’re guaranteed to LOVE.
Of course, it’s delicious as a sandwich, but the truth is I could eat this Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad straight from the bowl. Or in a lettuce wrap. Or pretty much any and every way possible. Because it’s just. that. good.
what you’ll need for this recipe
Chicken – I used 1 rotisserie chicken, which is about 4 cups chopped. Feel free to substitute chopped, cooked chicken breast or canned chicken breast.
Bacon – I used 1/4 cup chopped, cooked bacon.
Cheese – I used 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese.
Chives – I added 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives. Substitute chopped green onions if you prefer.
Dressing – For the sauce, I combined mayonnaise and ranch dressing. Feel free to add additional seasonings as desired.
how to make bacon cheddar ranch chicken salad
Combine the ingredients. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
Garnish. Garnish with fresh pepper and additional cheddar cheese or chives as desired.
Serve. Serve in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or with crackers and vegetables.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute green onions for the chives
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayo
- Add chopped jalapeño, celery, or bell pepper for crunch
- Eat it as a dip with carrots, cucumbers, crackers, or any of your favorite dippers
- Add additional spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika
- Use homemade ranch dressing
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing
- Add fresh basil, tarragon, or any of your favorite fresh herbs
storage tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Serve straight from the fridge in a sandwich, on a salad, or as a dip.
More Bacon Cheddar Ranch Recipes
Love the bacon, cheddar, ranch flavor combo? Be sure to try some of our other favorites!
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 2 Tablespoons fresh chives
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well.
- Garnish with fresh pepper and additional cheddar cheese or chives as desired.
- Serve in a sandwich, lettuce wrap, or with crackers and vegetables.
averie @ averie cooks says
I am so with you on summer (non) cooking. As much barely cooked meals/recipes as possible! This is a great way to jazz up regular chicken salad!
Kelly - A Side of Sweet says
Talk about all the best things in life in one recipe! I love bacon and ranch!
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
I totally feel you on not wanting to cook during the summer months. It’s soooooo hot outside, and I don’t want to be hot inside, too. Which is why this chicken salad is BRILLIANT. Clearly, I need to get my hands on the ingredients and try it ASAP.
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
My family will lovvvvvve this recipe! Three of their favorite ingredients! Perfect sandwich for a hot summer day!
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
Such a GREAT chicken salad flavor combination!
Katherine says
Wow this looks amazing. Definitely pinning to try! And I know what you mean about summer and cooking. I love to cook but I seem to lose my appetite some in this heat…
Amy @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
This looks perfect for a busy summer day, as a grab-and-go sort of sandwich to whip up! I totally get where you’re coming from about not wanting to cook in the summer … I’d way rather be outside, enjoying the sun! (Oh, and congrats on your new kitchen!)
Jess says
Looks SO good!
Jessica | The Novice Chef says
This looks so good and soo perfect for Summer!
April says
What is the best way to. Cook the chicken ?
Cathy Trochelman says
I love using rotisserie chicken, but you can also use baked or grilled chicken breast!
Gail Brazeau says
When you say “mayo” do you mean real mayonnaise or Miracle Whip? Thanks.
Rachel says
Just made wraps with this and it was DELICIOUS!!!!! SO easy too! Definitely making this one again.
Tammy M says
Do you serve this hot or cold?
Tammy says
Do you use pre-made ranch, as in Hidden Valley, or do you make your own recipe dressing for this? They are such different tastes and I would really love to make this! Thanks.
Taina says
I added red grapes cut in half to make it even juicier for a really hot summer day! My family loves this recipe. (Tastes perfect with vegan cheese, etc for my dairy -free daughter! )
Katie says
made this yesterday for my picky (meat, cheese, bread only) 15 year old son for lunch on his first day back to in-person learning and he absolutely LOVED it…infact, he said it was the ONLY good part of his day and that I had to pack an extra one for his friend for today because his friend said it smelled so good!
Cathy Trochelman says
aww! love to hear that! 🙂
Amy says
Perfect for on the go!!! Made this for my lunch for work week! PERFECT!!
Cathy Trochelman says
Great to hear! Thanks Amy!
Amy G says
Summer just got better!! This is a perfect meal to make ahead of time and take on the go! Perfect for those long softball/baseball tournaments when concession stand foods just won’t do! Easy to make and tastes amazing!
Jean Burchett says
L O V E your recipes…. Thank you so much….
I made my salad by looking what is in them but have seen your recipes and really like them.
Thank you