Get ready to transform your ordinary salad into a mouthwatering masterpiece that combines crispy, savory bacon with tender, juicy chicken! This Bacon Wrapped Chicken Salad isn't just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your dining experience from mundane to magnificent. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken breasts lovingly wrapped in crisp bacon, nestled atop a fresh bed of mixed greens, and drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. This recipe is about to become your new go-to dish that will impress family and friends alike!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Bacon strips
- Mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure crisp bacon wrapping. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Carefully wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 bacon strips, ensuring the bacon is snugly wrapped and slightly overlapping to secure it in place.
- Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
- While chicken is cooking, prepare the salad base by combining mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced cucumber in a large serving bowl.
- Once chicken is cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts into thin strips or medallions.
- Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the prepared salad greens.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve dressing on the side for individual preference.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and bacon is crispy.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before wrapping to ensure bacon gets extra crispy
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor coverage
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking and crisp bacon edges
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness
- For a low-carb option, use a lighter ranch dressing or substitute with a homemade vinaigrette
- Choose high-quality, fresh ingredients for the most vibrant salad experience
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the perfect 165°F internal temperature
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 40g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 115mg
