Aunt Pat'S Hot Chicken Salad
A comforting hot chicken salad featuring tender diced chicken, crisp almonds, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with crunchy potato chips. Perfect for a hearty family meal or potluck, this dish combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture and a hint of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped almonds ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper, cut fine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3 hard-cooked eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated sharp cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 cups crushed potato chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise, water, and cream of chicken soup together in a bowl.
- Stir in grated onion, cooked diced chicken, chopped almonds, finely chopped green pepper, cooked rice, salt, chopped celery, and lemon juice.
- Carefully fold in sliced hard-cooked eggs.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- Top with crushed potato chips and grated sharp cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try adding some chopped water chestnuts. You can also swap the almonds for walnuts or pecans as a tasty alternative. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, ideally with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheesy Chicken Rolls for a comforting dinner. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. If the topping gets too brown, cover with foil until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Pat'S Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 783 calories, with 14g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% 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 this hot chicken salad a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the toppings and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade white sauce with chicken broth or a can of cream of mushroom soup. Both alternatives will maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile of the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make it gluten-free, ensure that the mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and potato chips are labeled gluten-free. Use rice that is certified gluten-free as well to keep the entire dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).