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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the chicken and vegetable blend, stirring carefully to coat all ingredients thoroughly and create a rich, creamy consistency.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle the top with the remaining of Cheddar cheese, crushed potato chips, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
- 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