Here’s a recipe that’s sure to be a family favorite. When it’s casserole night, give this hot chicken salad recipe a try. It’s overflowing with tender chicken, nuts, pimento, shredded cheddar cheese, and other tasty ingredients. This flavorful combination of ingredients make up this wonderful, baked hot chicken salad casserole dish. Serve this delicious comfort food alongside a tasty green bean salad or some tossed salad with almonds.
Tips on Making Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
This hot chicken salad recipe is simply a chicken salad that’s baked in the oven so it’s served hot. It’s a deliciously easy casserole recipe you can make in just an hour. Make it even better with some of these helpful tips and tasty variations.
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked plain chicken. If you’re planning to use store-bought cooked chicken, then a rotisserie chicken is a good alternative. It adds that rich, savory, and juicy flavor to your baked casserole.
- Try adding sour cream into the mixture for subtle tang and creaminess. Add about half a cup. The tart flavor and thick texture make for a delicious addition to the casserole dish. Its taste blends well with the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chicken, and other ingredients.
- Use crushed potato chips or cornflakes as a substitute topping for French fried onions. Try using coarsely crushed potato chips or corn flakes for that extra crunchy finish. You can also sprinkle in some shredded cheddar cheese on top to mix with the crunchiness.
- Add in some chili flakes for that extra spice. If you prefer that mild spicy kick on your chicken casserole, then try adding about 2 to 3 teaspoons of chili flakes or red pepper flakes.
How To Make Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Make afternoon or dinner meals extra delicious with this hot chicken salad casserole recipe. It’s packed with flavorful ingredients that will definitely satisfy the whole family. Enjoy the savory taste of the chicken bits mixed with cheese, nuts, pimentos, and other value ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken, cooked and chopped
- 8 oz water chestnuts, (1 can), drained, sliced and divided
- 4 oz pimentos, (1 jar), drained and sliced
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 10 oz cream of chicken soup, (1 can)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, and divided
- 1½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ cup almond flakes, for topping
- 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Combine chicken, celery, soup, half of the cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, half of the water chestnut, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a 9 by13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35 minutes, uncovered.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese, half of the water chestnuts, pimentos, and almonds. Then bake for 10 more minutes.
- Serve and garnish with chopped cilantro!
Nutrition
- Sugar: 4g
- :
- Calcium: 219mg
- Calories: 713kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
- Fat: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Iron: 3mg
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 29g
- Potassium: 444mg
- Protein: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Sodium: 1252mg
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1012IU
- Vitamin C: 23mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw chicken in the casserole?
This chicken casserole recipe uses cooked chicken that’s either leftover, store-bought, or homemade. It’s more convenient to use cooked chicken for faster preparation and cooking process. You can use raw chicken for this recipe since it will eventually be cooked when the baked dish reaches around 160 degrees F. However, it’s important to note that using raw chicken will require an extra 30 to 40 minutes while cooking.
Can I prepare chicken salad casserole in advance?
Yes, you can. Keep the assembled casserole safely covered with a plastic wrap, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day, and serve it hot alongside other tasty dishes such as a Greek pasta salad or a delicious chilled cream of avocado soup to contrast the heat. Remember that unbaked casserole dishes keep their freshness for about 24 hours in the refrigerator so it’s best to bake and consume immediately.
Can you freeze hot chicken salad?
Yes. You can freeze your baked chicken casserole for a longer shelf life. Make sure that you keep it in an airtight container or wrap with a freezer safe foil. Cover tightly, then place in the freezer where it will last for at least 3 months. When ready to serve again, thaw before reheating in the oven. Heat at 325 degrees F for 30 minutes or until warmed through.
Conclusion
Enjoy a simple yet delicious chicken casserole for lunch or dinner with this hot chicken salad recipe. All you have to do is mix the delicate ingredients together, and assemble onto the baking dish. It’s an easy chicken casserole recipe that’s served best alongside tasty green veggies.Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
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