Crowd Chicken Casserole
A hearty crowd-pleaser featuring tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and melted cheese all topped with crispy potato chips. Perfect for large gatherings, this casserole offers a savory blend of flavors with a creamy, cheesy base and a crunchy topping, making it a satisfying and convenient dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 10 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 10 cups chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 bunches green onions with tops, sliced ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (5 3/4 oz.) sliced olives ⓘ
- 2 cups slivered almonds ⓘ
- 5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
- 2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 cups sour cream ⓘ
- 5 cups crushed potato chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, sliced green onions, chopped green chilies, sliced olives, and 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise and sour cream in a separate bowl, then add to the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
- Spoon the mixture into two greased 13 x 9-inch baking dishes.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips evenly over the top of each casserole.
- Top with the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a delightful twist, consider adding a dash of taco seasoning to the chicken mixture for added flavor. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version, or use different nuts like walnuts instead of slivered almonds. If you want a spicier kick, try using jalapeños instead of green chilies. This casserole can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Crowd Chicken Casserole is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings and pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside cornbread or buttery garlic bread. You can also add a side of salsa for those who enjoy a bit more flavor with their dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crowd Chicken Casserole contains roughly 652 calories, with 18g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 716mg per serving (31% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
Using raw chicken is not recommended for this recipe, as it requires pre-cooked chicken to ensure even cooking and food safety. You can easily use rotisserie chicken or leftovers from meals like Sticky Chicken for convenience.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Simply prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this Crowd Chicken Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free crushed potato chips and check that your mayonnaise and sour cream are gluten-free certified. Additionally, using gluten-free alternatives for any other processed ingredients will ensure a safe dish for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).