California Hot Chicken Salad
California Hot Chicken Salad offers a warm, savory combination of diced chicken, crisp celery, toasted almonds, and pimiento, all coated in a creamy lemon mayonnaise dressing. Topped with buttery bread crumbs and baked to golden perfection, it’s an inviting dish perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place in a large bowl the chicken, celery, almonds, and pimiento.
- Mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, grated onion, salt, and pepper; add to the bowl and toss gently with a fork.
- Transfer the mixture to individual ramekins or a shallow, oiled casserole.
- Toss bread crumbs with melted margarine and sprinkle over the salad.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F until heated through and lightly browned, about 15 minutes if in ramekins or 30 minutes if in a casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover rotisserie chicken or seasoned cooked chicken. If you prefer a crunchier topping, use crushed crackers instead of bread crumbs. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier option. Adding a dash of hot sauce can give the dish a nice kick. This salad works well as a filling for Make Ahead Hot Chicken Salad Sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the California Hot Chicken Salad warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a more casual setting, serve it alongside crusty bread or as a filling for Individual Chicken Pot Pies.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salad in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave single servings for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of California Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 125 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1111mg per serving (48% 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 other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute slivered almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure that any nuts you use are unsalted or adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the bread crumb topping right before baking to ensure it stays crispy.
Can I freeze the California Hot Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and bread crumbs, which can alter in texture. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and reassemble the dish fresh when you're ready to bake it.
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).