Hot Chicken Casserole Salad
A comforting hot chicken casserole salad with creamy, savory flavors complemented by crunchy almonds and potato chips, perfect for a hearty family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
- 2 c. chopped chicken ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 finely chopped boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1 c. grated American cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. slivered almonds ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 c. rice ⓘ
- 1 c. crushed potato chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together chicken, celery, onion, salt, cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, soy sauce, mayonnaise, and rice in a large casserole dish.
- Mix boiled eggs, grated American cheese, slivered almonds, and crushed potato chips together and sprinkle over the chicken mixture.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through and topping is golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken. If you're short on time, you can substitute the rice with pre-cooked rice or even quinoa for a healthier twist. If you prefer a crunchier topping, try adding more crushed potato chips or even some crushed cornflakes for variation. This dish can also be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole salad warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside Aunt Cindy's Potatoes or a refreshing fruit salad. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Hot Chicken Casserole Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Casserole Salad contains roughly 853 calories, with 17g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2622mg per serving (114% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Mix all the ingredients and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for mayonnaise, providing creaminess and a tangy flavor. You can also use avocado or a vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables. Use vegetable cream soup instead of cream of chicken, and adjust the seasonings to taste for a delicious vegetarian casserole.
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).