Hot Chicken Nut Salad
A creamy hot chicken nut salad baked with crispy potato chips, combining tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and savory mushroom soup for a comforting, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the boiled chicken, diced celery, chopped boiled eggs, sliced water chestnuts, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with potato chips and dot with butter.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until heated through and the chips are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider substituting the potato chips with crushed nuts or crispy fried onions. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut for the boiled chicken. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your liking; a lighter version can be used if desired. For a twist, try adding some diced apples or grapes for sweetness, reminiscent of other popular American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Hot Chicken Nut Salad is perfect as a main dish or as a hearty side. It pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting experience, serve it alongside a warm roll or bread. If you enjoy this dish, explore more chicken recipes for similar flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If the chips lose their crunch, consider adding fresh chips on top before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Nut Salad contains roughly 853 calories, with 10g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (21% of the Daily Value) and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1039mg per serving (45% 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 different types of nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds for extra flavor and crunch. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the balance of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the potato chips and bake right before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.
What can I serve this dish with?
This salad pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light Caesar salad or coleslaw. For a heartier option, it goes nicely with a side of baked potatoes or even rice, similar to dishes like Peppered Chicken And Rice.
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).