Name: The BEST Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad of Summer
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons red wine or apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cups salad greens such as butter or Romaine lettuce; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1 cup thinly sliced red or orange bell pepper; 4-6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup sliced cucumber; 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion; Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing

Pan seared chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies are combined with a drizzle of creamy ranch to create the salad of the summer.Chicken bacon ranch saladis light yet full of flavor and satisfying!

chicken bacon ranch salad recipe in a wooden bowl.

If you are looking for a dish that will help you cool off in the heat, then this is the right recipe for you. The fresh and light greens and veggies balance the seasoned chicken and savory bacon perfectly, giving you a dish that is both light and filling. This salad is super easy to prepare, especially if you have some of the ingredients ready to go beforehand!

I love that you can modify this salad to include the veggies you love or leave out the ones that you don’t. The creamy, tangy ranch dressing ties the whole dish together. This is a classic salad you will go back to again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It is full of fresh flavors and bright colors.
The creamy, tangy ranch pairs great with the savory bacon, chicken, and fresh veggies.
The ingredients are simple, nutritious, and can be prepared in advance.

Recipe Ingredients

portion bowls each with raw ingredients to make chicken bacon ranch salad.

For the Chicken

Chicken Thighs—Boneless and skinless. These will result in tender, juicy chicken!
Garlic Powder—For a bright and slightly pungent taste.
Onion Powder—Gives the chicken a zesty and sharp flavor.
Smoked Paprika—To add a subtle heat and spice.
Salt and Black Pepper—To enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
Vinegar—Use red wine or apple cider vinegar for a bright and tangy flavor!
Olive Oil—Helps bind the seasonings to the chicken and prevent moisture loss.

For the Salad

Greens—Butter or romaine lettuce are great options, but use your favorite greens!
Bacon—Cooked and crumbled.
Cherry Tomatoes—Halved.
Bell Pepper—We use red or orange for a bright, sweet taste.
Cucumber—Sliced or diced.
Red Onion—Adds a crisp, slightly spicy kick.
Ranch Dressing—Any kind will work! You can replace this with your favorite dressing.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad

clear mixing bowl in the process of making chicken bacon ranch salad recipe.

chicken on a plate for chicken bacon ranch recipe.

Step #1.In a large ziploc bag or shallow dish, add the chicken, spices, vinegar, and oil. Mix everything together until the spices cover the chicken.

Step #2.Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken. Cook until there is no more pink. Remove the chicken from the pan.

chicken bacon ranch salad ingredients in a clear mixing bowl.

Step #3.Add your salad greens to a serving bowl. Top with tomatoes, bell pepper, bacon cucumber, and red onion. When the chicken is cool, slice it into thin strips and add it to the salad.

Step #4.Add the dressing, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to cook bacon?

bacon, and all you have to do is microwave it or quickly warm it up on the stove. If you are pressed for time, this is a great option. You can also buy bacon bits, but the fresh crumbled bacon really elevates the salad! If you have raw bacon, I suggest placing the strips in a single layer on a baking sheet and cooking it for about 12 minutes at 400°F, or until it is cooked to your liking. You can also cook it in a pan on the stove at medium heat for 2-4 minutes on each side, but it might take longer since you can only do a few pieces at a time.

Why is my chicken tough?

This is most likely a result of overcooking the chicken. You want to be sure to watch the chicken and check it frequently so as to not overcook it. Once your meat thermometer reaches 165°F, then the chicken is ready to go. I also like to add a tablespoon or two of water into the pan, then cover it with a lid until the water has evaporated to help the chicken cook while keeping it tender and juicy!

What else can I add to this salad?

The great thing about salad is that you can play around with the ingredients! Add what you love and take out what you don’t like. If you have shredded or ground meat on hand, feel free to substitute the chicken. You can also add shredded cheese, jalapenos, avocado, green onions, croutons, or pickled vegetables to give this salad a kick. It is totally your call, make this recipe your own!

How to Serve and Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad

Chicken bacon salad is the best summer main dish because it is fresh and light, while still filling you up and having lots of flavor! While you can serve it on its own, this salad is great with a side of fresh fruit such as watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, or berries. You can also addcorn on the cob,bread sticks, ordinner rollsto complete your meal!

If you have any leftover salad that is already made, ensure that you transfer it to an airtight container or wrap the serving bowl tightly with plastic wrap. The salad will stay good for up to 3-4 days. If possible, it is a good idea to store the ingredients of the salad separately for maximum freshness, then assemble when you are ready to eat.

Expert Tips

We use chicken thighs as they are the most flavorful cut and stay moist, but you can also use a different cut as long as you don’t overcook.
As you are seasoning your chicken,feel free to add as much or as little of the spices as you prefer. Customize the flavor to you, whether you like it spicy or mild.
If you want to lock in the flavor of the chicken, you canallow it to rest once you have mixed it with the spices for up to half an hour, then cook it!
We usually serve this salad with the dressing on the side so each person can decidehow much they want on their plate, and it makes it easier to store leftovers!