Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Where’s the crispy chicken salad?” I overheard someone ask at a family gathering, and it hit me: this dish truly is a crowd favorite. Our Crispy Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado and Crunchy Bacon has become a staple on our dinner table, and for good reason. With golden, juicy chicken that delivers a satisfying crunch, paired with creamy avocado and smoky bacon, it’s impossible not to love. What makes this recipe a winner is not just its mouthwatering flavors but also its versatility—tailor it to your family’s preferences and make it your own! Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have deliciousness ready for those busy weekdays or spontaneous lunch cravings. Who wouldn’t want a scrumptious salad that easily appeals to even the pickiest eaters? So, are you ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness? Let’s get started! Why Is Crispy Chicken Salad a Hit?Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This recipe is a guaranteed favorite, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Simple to Customize: Tailor the ingredients to your taste with different proteins or veggies. Want a light version? Swap in turkey bacon or add Greek yogurt instead of avocado! Meal Prep Marvel: Prepare it in advance for a quick, nutritious meal that keeps well in the fridge. Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy chicken, crunchy bacon, and creamy avocado offers delightful contrasts in each bite. Healthful Ingredients: Packed with protein and vitamins, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. For another great meal, check out Garlic Butter Chicken or the refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad.Crispy Chicken Salad IngredientsFor the ChickenCrispy Chicken – Use fried chicken or chicken tenders for that perfect crunch in your Crispy Chicken Salad.For the SaladBacon – Adds a smoky, savory flavor and crunch; turkey bacon can be substituted for a lighter option.Avocado – Contributes creaminess and healthy fats; Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you’re looking for tanginess.Lettuce Mix – A blend of romaine, arugula, and iceberg for freshness; feel free to swap in any greens you love, like spinach.Tomatoes – Offers sweetness and juiciness; bell peppers are a great crunchy substitute for a twist.Cheese (optional) – Feta or cheddar enhances richness; leave it out for a dairy-free version.Onion (optional) – Provides a zesty flavor; choose red onion for a milder taste, or skip it if you’re avoiding strong flavors.Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chicken SaladStep 1: Prepare the Crispy Chicken Begin by heating oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, reaching about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces or tenders, frying until they turn golden brown and crisp, about 6–8 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain while you prepare the salad.Step 2: Cook the Bacon In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Be sure to turn the bacon occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crisped to perfection, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any residual grease, leaving the flavorful drippings in the pan for added taste later on.Step 3: Chop the Fresh Vegetables While the chicken and bacon cool, grab your cutting board and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes and avocado, ensuring they’re evenly sized for a delightful crunch. If you choose to include any additional vegetables or optional ingredients, like onions or cheese, chop those as well. Set the chopped ingredients aside to combine everything later in the bowl.Step 4: Assemble the Salad In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well mixed, allowing the flavors to meld, while keeping the textures intact. This Crispy Chicken Salad is vibrant and inviting, so don’t be shy about arranging it beautifully!Step 5: Dress the Salad Choose your preferred dressing—whether a creamy ranch or zesty vinaigrette—and drizzle it over the assembled salad. Toss lightly just before serving to ensure even coating, which keeps the ingredients fresh and crispy. Remember to store any leftover dressing separately to maintain the salad’s delightful crunch for meal prep or future servings.How to Store and Freeze Crispy Chicken SaladFridge: Store leftover Crispy Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens.Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the textures of the crispy chicken and fresh vegetables won’t hold up well after thawing.Reheating: If any chicken remains, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its crispiness, but keep fresh ingredients separate until serving.Meal Prep: Prepare components separately and store them in the fridge, tossing everything together just before eating for a quick, delicious meal!What to Serve with Crispy Chicken SaladElevate your meal experience with delicious sides that perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of this hearty salad.Garlic Bread: The buttery, toasted flavors of garlic bread provide a cozy addition that balances the freshness of the salad. It’s the perfect way to indulge without feeling heavy.Light Soup: A warm bowl of vegetable or chicken soup adds comfort and a lovely contrast to the crispy textures in your salad. Opt for something brothy and aromatic to brighten the meal experience.Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits brings a sweet, refreshing element that complements the savory notes of the crispy chicken and bacon. The juicy bursts of flavor are a delightful surprise!Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized, seasoned veggies add earthiness and a satisfying bite, enhancing the meal’s nutritious profile. Try roasting carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a colorful mix.Crispy Potato Wedges: The crunch of hearty potato wedges seasoned with herbs offers a familiar comfort food experience alongside the salad. They’re fun to dip, and who can resist potatoes?Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like a chilled glass of iced tea or homemade lemonade add a pleasant citrus note, pairing beautifully with the crispy and creamy flavors present in the salad.Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet ending, a few classic chocolate chip cookies bring nostalgia and joy to the table. They’re the perfect treat after a savory meal!Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish well, enhancing the fresh ingredients while adding an elegant touch to your dining experience.Quinoa Salad: A side of light quinoa salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette offers a healthful grain option that complements the textures of crispy chicken while adding its own unique flavors.Make Ahead OptionsThese Crispy Chicken Salad bowls are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can cook the crispy chicken and bacon up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chop the vegetables, like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado, the night before and keep them in separate containers to maintain their freshness and crunch. The dressing should be stored separately to prevent wilting—just toss it over the salad right before serving. If you prep in advance this way, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing meal ready with minimal effort during those hectic days, ensuring every bite is just as scrumptious!Expert Tips for Crispy Chicken SaladKeep It Crisp: Store the salad dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. This prevents the greens from wilting and ensures your Crispy Chicken Salad remains fresh and crunchy!Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Aim for a golden-brown exterior while ensuring the chicken is cooked through. Undercooking can lead to soggy bits instead of that desired crunch.Quality Oils Matter: Use higher quality oils for frying the chicken to enhance the overall flavor and achieve that perfect crispy texture.Adapt Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to customize! Use your favorite greens or swap ingredients like bacon for a turkey alternative to fit your dietary needs.Serving Suggestions: Pair your salad with warm garlic bread or a light soup for a balanced meal that feels complete and satisfying.Crispy Chicken Salad VariationsFeel free to get creative with your Crispy Chicken Salad and explore these delightful twists to elevate your dish!Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or scallops for a lighter, seafood-inspired flavor. It adds a touch of elegance to your meal!Nutty Crunch: Toss in some slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for an extra layer of crunch and unexpected flavor. This small change can turn your salad into a gourmet experience.Fruit Flavor: Add diced apples or juicy berries to introduce a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the salad. This twist enhances both taste and presentation.Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a heat boost. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, this fiery enhancement will surely excite your taste buds!Dairy-Free Delight: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative like vegan feta. This option ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the meal without compromising on flavor.Grain Gourmet: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for added heartiness and nutrition. This variation transforms your salad into a satisfying, complete meal.Herb Infusion: Sprinkle in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to introduce a burst of freshness and fragrance. Fresh herbs can elevate the entire dish, making it even more appealing.Zesty Dressing: Experiment with different dressings such as a tangy lemon vinaigrette instead of the usual. This simple change can boost flavor while keeping it light and refreshing.No matter how you decide to customize your salad, you can’t go wrong! If you’re looking for more delicious ideas, try out my Savory Chicken Flatbread or indulge in the refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad. Happy cooking!Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe FAQsHow do I select the best chicken for my salad? Absolutely! For the crispiest results, I recommend using fried chicken or chicken tenders that are freshly cooked. Look for juicy pieces with a golden-brown finish. If you’re picking from a store, ensure they’re free from dark spots and excess grease for optimal flavor.How should I store leftover Crispy Chicken Salad? To maintain freshness, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting. This way, every bite remains crisp and delightful!Can I freeze my Crispy Chicken Salad? Freezing this salad isn’t the best idea as the textures won’t hold up well once thawed. I advise keeping the crispy chicken and fresh veggies separate; instead, consider freezing any leftover chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. It should stay good for up to 3 months.What if my chicken isn’t crispy after cooking? Very! If your chicken ends up soggy, it might not have been fried at a high enough temperature or could have been overladen in the pan. Next time, ensure your oil is hot—around 350°F (175°C)—and avoid crowding the chicken pieces in the pan. For future reference, if that happens, you can also pop the chicken in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some of that crunch!Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Of course! If you have allergies or special dietary needs, you can easily adjust this salad. For dairy-free versions, omit the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast. If cooking for pets, avoid using any seasoning and raw onion, as these can be harmful to them. Always check for cross-contamination if allergies are a concern!Crispy Chicken Salad Bliss: Fresh, Flavorful, and Fun!Crispy Chicken Salad is a crowd favorite — juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy bacon make it delicious and versatile. Print Recipe Pin RecipePrep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes minsServings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition NotesIngredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Crispy Chicken Use fried chicken or chicken tendersFor the Salad4 slices Bacon Smoky, savory flavor; turkey bacon can be substituted1 medium Avocado Or use Greek yogurt for tanginess4 cups Lettuce Mix Blend of romaine, arugula, and iceberg1 cup Tomatoes Can substitute with bell peppers1/2 cup Cheese (optional) Feta or cheddar for richness1 small Onion (optional) Red onion for a milder tasteEquipment Deep Skilletmedium skilletcutting boardMixing bowlMethod Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Chicken SaladBegin by heating oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, reaching about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces or tenders, frying until they turn golden brown and crisp, about 6–8 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain while you prepare the salad.In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's crispy, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, dice the tomatoes and avocado. Set the chopped ingredients aside.In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Gently toss the ingredients together.Choose your preferred dressing and drizzle it over the salad. Toss lightly just before serving.Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mgNotesStore the salad dressing separately until you're ready to serve to keep the salad fresh and crunchy. Use quality oils for frying the chicken.Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
