Aunt Cille'S Baked Chicken Salad
A comforting baked chicken salad with a creamy pepperidge dressing, crunchy chips, cheese, and almonds—ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups finely chopped chicken ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1 package Pepperidge dressing ⓘ
- 2 scant cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp grated onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- dash Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 3 cups crushed potato chips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Toss lightly all ingredients except crushed potato chips, grated American cheese, and chopped almonds.
- Spoon the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Spread the crushed potato chips, grated cheese, and chopped almonds on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or substituting Greek yogurt for half of it. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it can be a great time-saver. Adjust the seasoning to taste; you can add garlic powder for extra flavor or swap in different vegetables like peas or corn. For a twist, try using crushed tortilla chips instead of potato chips.
Serving Suggestions
This baked chicken salad pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps. Consider serving it with a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the dish. For a comforting side, serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also enjoy it cold as a salad on a hot day.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Cille'S Baked Chicken Salad contains roughly 163 calories, with 6g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey if you have it on hand. Just ensure it's finely chopped to blend well with the other ingredients. The flavor will still be delicious, making this a versatile dish for various protein options.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Yes! You can lighten it up by using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Additionally, consider using whole grain potato chips or even skipping them altogether and topping with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for a crunch. Adding more veggies can also boost the nutritional value.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the chicken salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the potato chips, cheese, and almonds right before baking to keep them crispy. This makes it a perfect dish for potlucks or family gatherings, allowing you to save time on the day of serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).