Crescent House Hot Chicken Salad
A creamy, crunchy baked chicken salad with almonds, water chestnuts, and sharp cheddar, topped with potato chips—perfect for a comforting, crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, chopped celery, sliced almonds, sliced water chestnuts, salt, grated onion, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, and grated sharp Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 x 2-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Combine crushed potato chips with grated cheese and sprinkle on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 45 minutes or until lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting cooked turkey for the chicken or using Greek yogurt in place of some mayonnaise for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, instead of almonds. If you prefer a bit of heat, adding a dash of hot sauce to the mixture can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This hot chicken salad pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a more filling side, serve it alongside baked potatoes or a warm bread roll. Consider offering a tangy dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.
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 or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crescent House Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 716 calories, with 22g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% 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 casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can omit them or use chopped fresh zucchini for a similar crunch. Alternatively, sliced bell peppers can also add a nice texture and flavor to the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Certainly! You can replace the chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and cooked quinoa or chickpeas for protein. Using a plant-based mayonnaise and cream of mushroom soup will help keep the dish creamy and flavorful without meat.
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).