B & B Chicken Salad
B & B Chicken Salad is a comforting and savory dish featuring tender cooked chicken combined with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy pecans, and fresh vegetables. Topped with crushed crackers and baked to perfection, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken thoroughly, then remove from bones and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cream of chicken soup, chopped egg, chopped onion, chopped celery, mayonnaise, and salt. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider including chopped herbs like parsley or dill. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise. You can also replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free dish. For a crunchier topping, try using crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers, which pairs beautifully with E-Z Company Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
B & B Chicken Salad is perfect served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or rolls for a comforting dinner. For a more casual option, consider serving it with chips or as a filling for wraps, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
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 (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but be mindful not to overheat as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of B & B Chicken Salad contains roughly 944 calories, with 13g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1430mg per serving (62% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds even more flavor to your salad. Just ensure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces to blend well with the other ingredients.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled chicken salad before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed. However, the texture may change slightly after freezing.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can make a homemade version using chicken broth, heavy cream, and a bit of flour to thicken. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup can work well for a different flavor, keeping the dish aligned with comforting American recipes.
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).