Baked Chicken Or Turkey Salad
A comforting baked casserole combining seasoned chicken or turkey with rice, celery, almonds, and a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with crunchy potato chips for added texture. Perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken or turkey, chopped and seasoned ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped pimento ⓘ
- 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups crushed potato chips or bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except the potato chips in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with crushed potato chips or bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans work well too. Make sure the chicken or turkey is well-seasoned to enhance the overall taste. For a twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chicken Or Turkey Salad pairs beautifully with a side of mixed greens or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Randy'S Green Bean Surprise for a delightful combination. Garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Chicken Or Turkey Salad contains roughly 1171 calories, with 20g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 607mg per serving (26% 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 mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the potato chips or bread crumbs just before baking to maintain their crunch. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Can I freeze the Baked Chicken Or Turkey Salad?
Freezing is possible, but it's best to freeze it before baking. Transfer the unbaked mixture to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for the cooked rice?
If you're looking for alternatives to rice, consider using quinoa or couscous for a different texture. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb option that will still hold up in the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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).