Description
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a deliciously comforting baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with slivered almonds and crushed potato chips or crackers for an irresistible crispy crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup crushed potato chips or butter crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the chopped chicken, celery, onion, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Prepare Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture uniformly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer to promote consistent baking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the slivered almonds and crushed potato chips or crackers evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy, golden crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set for easier slicing and better flavor.
Notes
- For convenience, use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter and tangier version.
- This casserole freezes well; assemble ahead and bake when ready.
- To make it nut-free, omit the slivered almonds or replace with additional crushed crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
