Zippy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite Comfort

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that pack serious flavor, and this hot chicken salad casserole recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy, crunchy classic that brings together tender chicken and crisp vegetables in one irresistible dish.

Melted cheese creates golden networks of richness across the top, while perfectly seasoned ingredients mingle beneath a delightful crunchy topping.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients combine into something truly magical.

Packed with protein and textures that dance between soft and crisp, this casserole turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to serve up a crowd-pleasing dinner that sparks smiles around the table.

Baking Instructions for Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

• Almond Transformation Golden, fragrant slivered almonds dance in the oven, turning a delicate shade of bronze and releasing their rich, buttery essence.
• Flavor Symphony Tender chicken mingles with crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that whisper comfort and warmth.
• Creamy Connector A luscious mixture of melted cheese, tangy cream, and bright citrus weaves through the ingredients, binding them into a cohesive culinary embrace.
• Cheesy Crown A blanket of sharp cheddar and crunchy potato chips crowns the casserole, promising a crisp and golden finish that beckons from the oven.
• Warm Finish The casserole emerges bubbling and inviting, a perfect centerpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal ready to comfort and delight.

Tips to Level Up Your Chicken Salad Casserole

• Replace chicken with leftover turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick and versatile meal adaptation.
• Mix different crushed crackers or breadcrumbs instead of potato chips for varied texture and flavor profile.
• Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking to save time during busy weeknights.
• Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-fat mayonnaise for a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to give the casserole an extra kick of heat and complexity.

How to Plate Hot Chicken Salad Casserole with Style

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side of mixed greens to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add a fresh crunch.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, buttery dinner rolls or a slice of artisan bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complement the casserole's texture.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top to add a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to provide a healthy, colorful accompaniment to the hearty casserole.

Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken Salad Casserole

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delicious flavor and texture intact.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for a quick and easy meal later.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole a day before baking, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 512 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Bring Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Together

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Water Chestnuts: Crunchy texture enhancer that provides a delightful bite.
• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds depth and umami to the dish.

• Almonds: Toasted nutty element that brings a rich, golden crispness.
• Potato Chip Crumbs: Crispy topping that creates a delectable crunchy layer.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a luxurious sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that adds a savory, complex flavor profile.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that helps bind the casserole together.
• Sour Cream: Tangy component that adds richness and smoothness.

• Onion: Savory base that provides a foundational flavor.
• Celery: Crisp vegetable that adds a fresh, light crunch.
• Pimiento: Sweet pepper that introduces a mild, bright color and taste.

• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances the entire dish.
• Pepper: Warm spice that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that cuts through the richness.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

• Shallow pan: Perfect for toasting almonds evenly and quickly.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all the main casserole ingredients.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for blending cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice.
• 13- x 9-inch baking dish: Key for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing components smoothly.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese if desired.

Crunchy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Southern hot chicken salad casserole combines crispy, creamy textures with a nostalgic comfort food charm. Home cooks appreciate its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, making it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups sliced celery
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 4.5 oz (128 g) sliced mushrooms, drained
• 8 oz (227 g) sliced water chestnuts, drained
• ¼ cup chopped pimiento, drained
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 3 tbsps lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 cup potato chips, crushed

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Instructions

1. Almond Preparation: Toast slivered almonds in a shallow pan at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and aromatic, being careful to prevent burning.
2. Mixture Assembly: Combine toasted almonds, cooked chicken, onion, celery, pimiento, water chestnuts, mushrooms, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice in a separate bowl until smooth and fully integrated, creating a creamy binding sauce.
4. Ingredient Coating: Fold the cheese sauce into the chicken and vegetable mixture, thoroughly coating all components and achieving a rich, uniform consistency.
5. Dish Preparation: Grease a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish and evenly spread the chicken mixture across the surface.
6. Topping Application: Generously scatter remaining Cheddar cheese, crushed potato chips, and Parmesan cheese over the casserole to create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
7. Baking Process: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese topping becomes golden and bubbly.

Notes

• Perfectly Toast Nuts: Watch almonds closely during toasting to prevent burning, stirring occasionally for even golden-brown color and maximum flavor release.
• Balance Texture Layers: Combine crunchy water chestnuts and mushrooms with soft chicken for a delightful multi-textural eating experience.
• Creamy Sauce Secret: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, tangy binding sauce that enhances overall dish richness.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Crush potato chips and mix with Parmesan cheese for an irresistible golden-brown crust that adds crunch and extra savory flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 512
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg