Chicken Salad Or Casserole
A versatile chicken salad casserole combining tender chicken, rice, eggs, and vegetables, topped with crunchy crumbs or almonds. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, served hot or cold.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- For casserole, transfer the mixture into a 9x13 inch dish.
- Cover with buttered cracker crumbs or slivered almonds.
- Bake at 325°F for 40-45 minutes until heated through and topping is golden.
- Refrigerate overnight for best flavor before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding diced bell peppers or peas to the mix. If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise. Also, using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time and enhance the dish's flavor. If you're looking for something similar, check out Cashew Chicken Delish for another delicious chicken recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad or casserole is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Easy Crock-Pot Chicken for a varied dinner spread. Garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If reheating individual servings, microwave in 30-second intervals until hot, ensuring not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Or Casserole contains roughly 311 calories, with 6g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 870mg per serving (38% 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
While the recipe specifically calls for cooked chicken, you can use uncooked chicken by cooking it in the casserole for about 60 minutes at 325°F. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. This method adds moisture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just remember to add the topping right before baking to keep it crispy.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don’t have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or make a homemade version by mixing equal parts of heavy cream and chicken broth with seasonings. This will still yield a creamy texture without compromising the dish's flavor.
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).