Searching for a traditional comfort food dish that is full of flavor and has a hint of crunch? Your new favorite dish is this recipe for spicy chicken salad! With melty cheese, a crunchy topping, and savory delight in every bite, it heats up everything you love about classic chicken salad. This recipe is simple, filling, and appropriate for any occasion, whether you’re using leftover chicken, roasted chicken, or fresh chicken made specifically for this. Really, if you’ve only ever had chilled chicken salad at a picnic or on a sandwich, be ready because this heated version is going to completely change the way you eat supper on weeknights.
Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes450
kcalHot Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crushed potato chips
1/2 cup sour cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, celery, green onions, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, sliced almonds, and (optional) sour cream. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Top with crushed potato chips for a crispy finish.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot as a main course or hearty side dish.
Recipe Video
Serving Suggestions
There are so many easy and tasty ways to serve this hot chicken salad. Here are a few of my fav:
- To be a main course served with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad
- In addition to mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier, more cozy supper
- In a slider or sandwich—yes, it may sound strange, but it tastes great in a toasted bun!
- With toasted bread rounds or crackers as an appetizer or party dip
- With sliced apples or fruit salad, the sweetness wonderfully counterbalances the heaviness.
Saving Suggestions
Have any leftovers? No worries, this meal keeps very well in storage. Here’s how to maintain its flavor and freshness:
- Refrigerate: Keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Warm up again in the microwave or oven. If you want to bring back that crispy top, add some new chips or cheese.
- Freezer: It is possible to freeze it. Simply omit the potato chip garnish and store the remaining portion in an airtight jar for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven just before serving. In the final five minutes of baking, add the topping.
- Make two batches and freeze one for later as a meal prep tip. You’ll be grateful on a hectic worknight.
FAQs About Hot Chicken Salad
Is it possible to prepare hot chicken salad in advance?
A: Absolutely! Put everything together (except from the topping), cover, and chill for up to 24 hours. Just before baking, add the cheese topping or chips.
What is the greatest type of chicken to use?
A: Grilled or roasted chicken leftovers are delicious. Additionally, rotisserie chicken is quite convenient. In a pinch, canned chicken can also be used; just make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Is it possible to make it low-carb?
A: Indeed! For crunch, add sliced almonds or crushed pork rinds instead of potato chips. Greek yogurt or low-carb mayo can also be used.
Is this identical as casserole made with chicken?
A: Not quite, but sort of. It has a similar vibe, but it’s more of a warm salad-casserole hybrid thanks to the mayo base and crunchy topping.
What can I use in place of mayo?
A: If you want something lighter, you can use plain Greek yogurt or half sour cream and half cream cheese.
