Description
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with crunchy celery, green onions, and creamy cheddar cheese blend. Topped with crispy crushed potato chips or crackers and sliced almonds, this casserole bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection, making it a perfect hearty meal for potlucks or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup crushed potato chips or butter crackers
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and well blended for consistent flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, ensuring a flat surface for even baking.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crushed potato chips or butter crackers evenly over the top of the casserole. If using, add the sliced almonds for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly to set before serving. This helps the casserole firm up and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut.
- Consider adding cooked rice or pasta to the mixture to make the casserole more filling.
- This casserole is excellent for potlucks or easy weeknight dinners.
- Leftovers reheat well, making for a great second meal.
