If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe. Packed with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and a touch of crunch from almonds and celery, every bite bursts with flavor and texture. It’s creamy, savory, and delightfully fresh all at once, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple yet luxurious lunch at home. Let me walk you through what makes this salad so irresistible and how to easily whip it up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture—from the smoky crumbled bacon to the crisp celery and creamy dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to create this showstopper:
- 3 cups shredded chicken: The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious dressing.
- 1 cup sliced celery: Adds a refreshing crunch for contrast.
- 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped: Provides richness and a subtle creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings a tangy, melty bite that elevates the whole dish.
- ½ cup crumbled bacon: For that smoky, salty pop of flavor that’s simply addictive.
- 3 sliced green onions: Offers a mild, fresh oniony kick without overpowering.
- ½ cup toasted slivered almonds: Adds a nutty crunch that surprises and delights.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Creamy and smooth, the classic binder of this salad.
- ½ cup sour cream: Gives a slight tang making the dressing lighter and more balanced.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish with a citrusy zip.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by gathering shredded chicken, chopped hardboiled eggs, sliced celery, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, toasted almonds, and sliced green onions in a large mixing bowl. These ingredients create the perfect harmony of textures and flavors that make this dish so memorable.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The dressing is creamy with a subtle tang that complements the richness of the chicken and bacon while brightening the overall salad.
Step 3: Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over your bowl of chicken and mix-ins. Gently toss everything together until each ingredient is evenly coated. This step ensures every forkful bursts with flavor and creaminess without being overwhelming.
Step 4: Final Toss and Taste
Give the salad one last gentle toss, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if necessary. This is your chance to perfect the savory balance before serving.
Step 5: Serve with Style
For a truly indulgent experience, pile the salad onto buttery croissants, thick slices of hearty bread, or even crunchy lettuce leaves. This Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe shines when presented with a little flair.
How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your salad with extra slices of green onion, a sprinkle of additional toasted almonds, or even a few more crispy bacon bits. These garnishes add appealing visual interest and a fresh crunch that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp garden salad, fresh fruit, or crunchy veggie sticks. It also works beautifully alongside a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade for warm-weather entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocados or cucumber boats. You could also prepare it as lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or use endive leaves as elegant little scoops. These creative presentations elevate the dish and make it perfect for brunches or special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 2 to 3 days, making it great for next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This particular chicken salad doesn’t freeze well because the mayonnaise and sour cream dressing tend to separate once thawed. For the best texture, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm meal, pair the salad with freshly heated bread or side dishes instead.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and saves time without compromising the taste of your Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe.
What can I substitute for bacon if I want a vegetarian option?
Try using smoked tempeh, crispy chickpeas, or even sautéed mushrooms for a smoky, savory flavor that keeps the salad satisfying without the bacon.
How long does this chicken salad stay fresh?
The salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in a sealed container. Be sure to keep it cold to maintain its texture and flavor.
Can I add other nuts instead of almonds?
Yes, walnuts or pecans make excellent substitutes if you want a different kind of crunch or flavor profile in your salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chicken salad itself is naturally gluten-free, but be mindful of the bread or croissants you serve it with if you need to avoid gluten entirely.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, it promises to delight with its creamy, crunchy, and flavorful goodness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
Print
Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Million Dollar Chicken Salad with Bacon is a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It combines tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, toasted almonds, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing with a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 2 hardboiled eggs, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- 3 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped hardboiled eggs, sliced celery, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, toasted slivered almonds, and sliced green onions. Gently stir these ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth and creamy.
- Mix dressing with salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl.
- Toss to combine: Carefully toss all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing and evenly mixed.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken salad onto croissants, thick slices of bread, or your preferred serving method and enjoy immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use cooked, shredded chicken from rotisserie or leftover roast chicken.
- To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden and fragrant.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing according to your taste preference.
- Optional: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or curry powder to the dressing for an extra flavor dimension.
