The Most Divine Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Hot chicken salad casserole redefines ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds and comforts weary souls.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this delightful dish as a testament to creativity and resourcefulness.

Crunchy, creamy textures dance together in a harmonious blend that elevates simple poultry to gourmet status.

Crisp vegetables and tender chicken merge with a velvety sauce that whispers promises of home-cooked satisfaction.

Families gather around this warming dish, anticipating each delectable forkful with eager excitement.

Layers of flavor build complexity that surprises and delights even the most discerning palate.

Nostalgia meets innovation in this classic comfort food that bridges generations and culinary traditions.

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole That Feeds the Soul

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This hot chicken salad casserole delivers a luxurious blend of rich, velvety textures with its mayo-sour cream base and melted cheddar cheese, creating a decadent comfort food experience.
• Crunch Meets Creamy: The recipe brilliantly combines crispy potato chip crumbs and toasted almonds with tender chicken and soft vegetables, providing an exciting contrast of textures in every delightful bite.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Meal: With simple preparation steps and just 30 minutes of baking time, this casserole offers a convenient solution for busy weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, making home cooking a breeze.

Ingredients for Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, shredded protein for the main dish base, preferably using leftover or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor.
• Almonds: Crunchy, toasted nut that adds texture and nutty flavor to the casserole, best when using fresh slivered almonds.

• Onion, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that provide depth and crunch to the casserole, finely chopped for even distribution.
• Pimiento, Water Chestnuts, Mushrooms: Mixed vegetables that add color, texture, and interesting flavor layers to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that create a rich, melty topping and enhance overall flavor.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that bind the casserole and add richness and moisture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that balances the rich dairy components.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
• Potato Chip Crumbs: Crispy topping that provides a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy casserole.

• Water: Helps to keep the casserole moist during baking.

How to Bake a Comforting Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

Step 1: Toast Almonds

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread slivered almonds on a shallow baking pan. Bake for 5-10 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Mixture

• Toasted almonds
• Cooked chicken
• Chopped onion
• Diced celery
• Chopped pimiento
• Sliced water chestnuts
• Sliced mushrooms
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix all ingredients until well distributed.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lemon juice

Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture over the chicken mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 4: Assemble Casserole

• Remaining Cheddar cheese
• Crushed potato chips
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes. The casserole is ready when it’s heated through and the top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips to Keep Chicken Casserole Moist and Creamy

• Perfectly Toast Almonds: Watch carefully while baking to prevent burning, stirring occasionally for even golden color and maximum crunch.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use freshly cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for richer, more intense taste compared to pre-packaged options.
• Customize Crunch Factor: Experiment with different chip varieties like kettle-cooked or seasoned chips for unique textural and flavor variations.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Pat ingredients like water chestnuts and mushrooms dry before mixing to eliminate excess moisture and maintain casserole's crisp texture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Best Ways to Reheat Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

• Store Leftovers
• Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freeze Method
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen casserole stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Technique
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Side Dishes to Serve with This Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, cheesy texture of the hot chicken salad casserole, cutting through its richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve with Tangy Green Salad: Create a fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy and crunchy elements, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich dish.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay enhances the casserole's creamy cheese and chicken flavors, providing a smooth and complementary drinking experience.
• Add Crunchy Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts to add a nutritious and textural counterpoint to the creamy casserole, bringing additional vegetable depth to the meal.

Casserole Variations to Switch Things Up

• Herb-Infused Chicken Casserole: Elevate the classic recipe by adding fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to the chicken mixture. The herbs bring a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor that transforms the traditional dish.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Bake: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cumin for a zesty southwestern kick. Top with crushed tortilla chips instead of potato chips for added crunch and regional flair.
• Mediterranean Chicken Casserole: Replace water chestnuts with chopped olives, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired version that's bursting with bright flavors.
• Lighter Protein Option: Swap chicken for turkey breast and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories. Choose whole wheat crackers for the topping to add a nutritious whole grain element to the dish.

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Nashville’s sizzling hot chicken meets creamy comfort in this irresistible casserole. Crispy chicken, rich cheese, and crunchy almonds create a Southern-style dish that brings bold flavors and hearty satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Extras:

• 2 cups sliced celery
• 4 ½ ounces (128 grams) sliced mushrooms, drained
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sliced water chestnuts, drained
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• ¼ cup chopped pimiento, drained
• ½ cup slivered almonds

Seasonings and Binding:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 cup potato chips, crushed

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Instructions

1. Carefully toast slivered almonds in a shallow pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 5 to 10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning and stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the toasted almonds, cooked chicken pieces, finely chopped onion, diced celery, chopped pimiento, sliced water chestnuts, sliced mushrooms, salt, and black pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Create a creamy binding sauce by whisking together of shredded Cheddar cheese, smooth mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and fresh lemon juice in a separate small bowl until the mixture becomes homogeneous and well-blended.
4. Pour the cheese mixture into the chicken and vegetable blend, stirring carefully to coat all ingredients thoroughly and create a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
6. Generously sprinkle the top with the remaining of Cheddar cheese, crushed potato chips, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
7. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated completely through and the cheese topping turns golden and bubbling.

Notes

• Toasting almonds brings out a rich, nutty flavor that adds delightful crunch and depth to the casserole.
• Mixing different textures like water chestnuts and mushrooms creates an exciting and unexpected layer of complexity in every bite.
• Letting the cheese mixture meld with chicken and vegetables ensures each spoonful is creamy and well-seasoned.
• Potato chip crumbs on top provide a crispy, salty golden-brown crust that elevates the entire dish.
• Serving this casserole works perfectly as a comforting main course or impressive potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Prep time is quick, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 cal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg