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Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 Cups Cooked Shredded Chicken ((Rotisserie or Leftover)); 6 Slices Bacon (Cooked and Crumbled); 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise; 1/4 Cup Sour Cream; 2 Tablespoons Ranch Seasoning Mix; 1/4 Cup Celery (Finely Chopped); 1/4 Cup Green Onions (Chopped); 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice; Salt and Pepper (To Taste)

If you’re looking for an easy lunch that checks all the boxes—creamy, crunchy, savory, and satisfying—this bacon ranch chicken salad recipe is it.

Made with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and sour cream, this dish is perfect for busy weekdays, meal prep, or even a quick snack on crackers.

Whether you’re using a rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breast, this versatile salad recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

You'll also enjoy my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Salad and my Low-Fat Healthy Chicken Salad!

Close-up of bacon ranch chicken salad served on green leaf lettuce with tomatoes and lemon slices.

Why You’ll Love This Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Recipe

There’s a reason this a favorite chicken salad recipe—it’s packed with flavor, takes just minutes to prepare, and can be served in a variety of ways. The combination of juicy shredded chicken, salty crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing mixture creates a salad that’s satisfying and crave-worthy.

It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken—just shred, mix, and serve. Whether you're making this for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or prepping meals for the week, you’ll love how versatile and simple this recipe is.

Bright plate of bacon ranch chicken salad on lettuce, surrounded by fresh celery, lemons, and tomatoes.

The Best Ingredients for Big Flavor

Here’s what makes this salad pop:

Shredded chicken: rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or cooked chicken breast all work great.
Bacon: Fry up and crumble for a salty, smoky crunch. You can make bacon ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Ranch dressing base: A combo of mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning makes a creamy, tangy dressing.
Veggies: Finely chopped celery and green onion add crunch and fresh flavor.
Optional: Add shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, dill, or even diced bell pepper for extra color and taste.

How to Use Rotisserie or Leftover Chicken

This recipe is perfect when you want to use rotisserie chicken for something quick and delicious. Just remove the skin and shred the meat using two forks or your hands.

If you’ve got leftover chicken or even baked chicken or roast chicken, it works just as well.

No time to cook? Even canned chicken can be used in a pinch (though fresh chicken is always best for texture and flavor).

Step-by-Step: How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

Here’s how to pull it all together:

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, cup sour cream, ranch seasoning, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add shredded chicken, cooked bacon (crumbled), finely chopped celery, and chopped green onion.
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

That’s it. This chicken bacon ranch chicken salad is ready to go in under 15 minutes. (Though it does taste best if refrigerated for at least 30 minutes)

Overhead view of all bacon ranch chicken salad ingredients in small bowls, including chicken, bacon, celery, and dressing.

Mixing bowl with mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and ranch seasoning for bacon ranch chicken salad.

What’s the Best Way to Shred or Chop the Chicken

You can dice or shred the chicken depending on your texture preference. Shredded chicken gives a softer bite and blends more smoothly with the dressing, while diced or chopped pieces give a chunkier texture.

For meal prep, shredding is usually easier to portion and mix. A hand mixer or stand mixer can make quick work of shredding if you're dealing with a large batch.

Is This Salad Good for Meal Prep or Make-Ahead Lunches

Absolutely. This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and is a perfect meal prep option. Make a batch on Saturday and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches. Store in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for 3–4 days.

Serve it with crackers, over greens as a ranch salad, or in a wrap or sandwich. It’s an easy meal you’ll actually look forward to.

Tasty Add-Ins and Customization Ideas

Here are some ways to switch things up:

Add shredded cheddar cheese for a bacon cheddar ranch chicken salad twist.
Stir in chopped parsley, dill, or chive for fresh, herby flavor.
Use a spoonful of homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer DIY over packets.
Toss in chopped bell pepper or cherry tomatoes for extra color.
Like a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
Use ¼ cup of prepared ranch dressing in place of the sour cream and ranch seasoning. This is my favorite homemade Ranch dressing recipe!

These tweaks make it easy to adapt the salad to your personal preferences.

Serving Suggestions: Sandwiches, Crackers, or Lettuce Wraps

This delicious chicken salad is super versatile. Try serving it:

On toasted bread or croissants for chicken salad sandwiches
Scooped with crackers for a quick snack
In lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens for a low-carb ranch salad
Stuffed in a tomato or avocado for something a little different

Whatever way you serve it, this salad is delicious and satisfying.

Fork lifting a scoop of creamy bacon ranch chicken salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and lemon slices in the background.

Tips for the Creamiest Chicken Salad Every Time

Want it perfect every time? Follow these simple tips:

Use high-quality mayonnaise and sour cream—this is your flavor base.
Mix the dressing first before adding the chicken and veggies for even coating.
Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to help flavors meld.
Don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens the whole dish.

You can even make the dressing ahead and store it separately until ready to mix.

Common Questions About Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It’s actually better after a few hours in the fridge.

Can I freeze this salad?
Not recommended—mayonnaise and sour cream don't freeze well and may separate.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check that your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.

What’s a good dairy-free substitute?
Skip the sour cream, or use a plant-based version.