Hot Chicken Salad Deluxe
A creamy, savory hot chicken salad with crunchy water chestnuts, mushrooms, and almonds, topped with cheese and fried onions—perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 chickens ⓘ
- 3 hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms
- 1 package slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 cup grated cheese ⓘ
- 1 can French-fried onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and dice the chickens.
- Mix the diced chicken with all ingredients except cheese and French-fried onions.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle grated cheese and French-fried onions on top.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and onions are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience. For added crunch, try replacing slivered almonds with pecans or walnuts. This dish is a great option for potlucks and pairs nicely with American recipes like mashed potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hot Chicken Salad Deluxe warm, garnished with additional slivered almonds for texture. It pairs well with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside baked potatoes or rice. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings and can easily be a highlight, just like Missy'S Chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Salad Deluxe contains roughly 418 calories, with 6g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% 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 leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can save time and add great flavor. Just ensure it's shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cheese and French-fried onions before baking to keep them crispy and fresh.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream. Alternatively, use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
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).