Aunt Nora'S Hot Chicken Salad
A hearty hot chicken salad baked with crunchy potato chips, savory chicken, almonds, and a creamy sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. diced celery ⓘ
- 2 tsp. grated onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped almonds ⓘ
- 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3/4 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. diced chicken ⓘ
- 2 c. crushed potato chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Make a sauce by mixing flour, margarine, and chicken broth in a saucepan and cooking until thickened.
- Add diced chicken, diced celery, grated onion, chopped almonds, chopped hard-boiled eggs, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to the sauce. Mix thoroughly.
- Grease a baking pan.
- Line the bottom of the pan with three-quarters of the crushed potato chips.
- Pour the chicken mixture over the potato chips in the pan.
- Top with the remaining crushed potato chips.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using cream instead of chicken broth. If you prefer a crunchier topping, opt for homemade croutons instead of potato chips. You can also substitute chopped walnuts for almonds for a different flavor profile. To save time, use rotisserie chicken. Be sure to adjust the seasoning based on your chicken's flavor, especially if it’s pre-seasoned.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Nora's Hot Chicken Salad warm, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a comforting dinner, browse more American recipes that feature chicken for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken salad in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Nora'S Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 621 calories, with 9g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg per serving (82% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to assemble it in the baking pan with the potato chips right before baking to maintain their crunchiness.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise for a tangy flavor. Alternatively, you can use sour cream or a mixture of both to achieve creaminess while reducing calories.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
To create a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or diced vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor and maintain the consistency of the dish.
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).