Hazel'S Hot Chicken Salad
Hazel's Hot Chicken Salad blends tender diced chicken with crunchy water chestnuts, pimentos, toasted almonds, and mushrooms, all coated in creamy mayonnaise and topped with cheese and onions. Perfect for a warm, comforting dish that appeals to poultry lovers and those craving savory, flavorful casseroles.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2 1/2 cups cooked diced chicken ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
- 2 pimentos, diced (1 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered toasted almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup French fried onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cooked diced chicken, water chestnuts, diced pimentos, slivered toasted almonds, sliced mushrooms, lemon juice, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
- Place the mixture in a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated Cheddar cheese and French fried onions.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Toast the almonds before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hazel's Hot Chicken Salad warm, paired with a fresh green salad or crusty bread. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Gail's Famous Chicken And Stuffing Casserole for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hazel'S Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 361 calories, with 13g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (27% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1741mg per serving (76% 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 meats instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute cooked diced turkey or even shredded pork for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is cooked and diced similarly to the chicken for best results.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten the recipe, use a reduced-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and use more vegetables to enhance the nutritional value.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese and French fried onions right before baking to ensure they stay crispy.
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).