This Ultimate Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon is a restaurant-quality meal that brings together all the classic flavors you crave in one satisfying bowl. With perfectly seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, creamy blue cheese, and fresh vegetables arranged beautifully over crisp lettuce, this salad is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon delivers everything you want in a complete meal. The combination of protein-rich chicken and bacon keeps you satisfied for hours, while the fresh vegetables add crunch and nutrition. The contrast of textures—from crispy bacon to creamy avocado to tangy blue cheese—creates an exciting eating experience with every bite. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to your preferences, making it perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or when you want something healthy yet indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad
- 9 eggs (older eggs are best for easier peeling)
- 2 heads romaine or iceberg lettuce, cleaned, dried, and chopped
- 1 bunch watercress or Spring Mix salad
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 6 tomatoes, sliced or chopped
- 6 ounces Roquefort cheese, gorgonzola, or blue cheese
- 1 pound bacon, cooked until crisp
- 1 pound chicken breast or chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning chicken
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper for seasoning chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing chicken
- 1 tablespoon butter for searing chicken
- 3 avocados, sliced or chopped
How to Make Ultimate Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Hard-Boiled Eggs: Start by placing the eggs in a large pot and covering them with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then remove the pot from heat and cover. Let the eggs sit for 12 minutes for perfectly cooked yolks. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then peel and chop them once cooled.
Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or tenders dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with this mixture. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter stops foaming, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.
Prepare the Vegetables: While the chicken rests, wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce and watercress. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Dice the tomatoes, removing excess seeds if desired. Chop the green onions, using both white and green parts. Cut the avocados just before serving to prevent browning.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange the chopped lettuce and watercress on a large serving platter or individual plates. Create distinct sections by arranging each ingredient in rows: sliced chicken, chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, chopped green onions, and avocado pieces. This traditional presentation showcases each ingredient beautifully.
Helpful Tips
Use older eggs for hard-boiling as they peel more easily than fresh eggs. When cooking chicken, don’t move it around in the pan initially—let it develop a golden crust before flipping. For the crispiest bacon, start with a cold pan and cook slowly over medium heat. To prevent avocado from browning, cut it just before serving or toss with a little lemon juice. Make sure your lettuce is completely dry before assembling to prevent a soggy salad.
Details
This Ultimate Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon serves 4-6 people as a main course and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare from start to finish. The cooking techniques used—boiling, pan-searing, and assembly—are beginner-friendly yet produce professional results. The salad can be partially prepared ahead of time, with components stored separately and assembled just before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if you prefer a milder flavor. Grilled chicken works wonderfully in place of pan-seared chicken, especially during warmer months. For a lighter version, use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese. The traditional Cobb salad arrangement is beautiful, but you can also toss all ingredients together with dressing if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prepare most components 1-2 days in advance. Store the cooked chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator separately. Cut avocados and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent browning.
What dressing goes best with Cobb salad? Classic choices include blue cheese dressing, ranch, or a simple vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar and olive oil. The rich ingredients in the salad pair well with tangy dressings that cut through the richness.
Can I substitute the chicken? Absolutely! Try grilled shrimp, turkey, ham, or even plant-based protein alternatives. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works perfectly and saves time.
How long does leftover Cobb salad keep? Assembled salad with dressing should be consumed within 24 hours. Individual components can be stored separately for 2-3 days and assembled fresh as needed.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken and bacon will keep for 3-4 days, while hard-boiled eggs stay fresh for up to one week. Wash and thoroughly dry lettuce, then store in the refrigerator wrapped in paper towels inside a sealed container for up to 5 days. Cut avocados should be used within 1-2 days, even when stored with citrus juice to prevent browning.
Related Recipes
For more delicious salad recipes and meal ideas, check out these favorites from Run of Life:
- Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
- Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
- Asian Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Greek Village Salad with Feta
Conclusion
This Ultimate Cobb Salad with Chicken and Bacon transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that satisfies both your hunger and your taste buds. The combination of textures, flavors, and colors makes every bite interesting, while the protein-packed ingredients ensure you’ll stay full and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a special lunch, light dinner, or impressive dish for entertaining, this classic American salad delivers every time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility—you can customize ingredients based on your preferences while maintaining the essential character that makes Cobb salad so beloved.