Hot Chicken Salad(Makes 12 Servings)
A zesty, creamy chicken salad with crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and a tangy lemon mayo, finished with melted cheddar and crispy chips—perfect for a quick, crowd‑pleasing lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked chicken, celery, almonds, onion, lemon juice, salt, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or substitute Greek yogurt for half of it. Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider adding some crushed crackers or potato chips on top before baking. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hot chicken salad over a bed of greens for a refreshing meal, or in a sandwich for a hearty lunch. It pairs beautifully with Hash Browned Scalloped Potatoes for a comforting dinner. You can also serve it alongside a light fruit salad or some crusty bread to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hot chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to dry it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Salad(Makes 12 Servings) contains roughly 163 calories, with 4g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves you time on the day you plan to serve it.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze the chicken salad mixture, it's best to freeze it before baking. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
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).