Hot Chicken Spread
A creamy, savory chicken spread with almonds, celery, and seasoned crackers, perfect for parties or casual gatherings, enjoyed hot or cold on various breads or veggies.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cracker crumbs and slivered almonds to make 2 cups.
- Combine the cracker and almond mixture with cooked chicken, chopped celery, minced onion, seasoned salt, black pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
- Serve hot or cold on crackers, bread, or as a spread for raw vegetables.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken. You can substitute the slivered almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired. If you're looking for a bit more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. This spread can also be made ahead and refrigerated overnight to enhance the flavors, similar to how you might prepare dishes like Quick Chicken Chowder.
Serving Suggestions
This hot chicken spread is perfect served warm on crackers or toasted baguette slices. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or wraps. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad or alongside raw vegetables like carrots and celery sticks. It also pairs beautifully with Jet'S Chicken Casserole for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the spread in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy snack, but be careful not to overheat it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Chicken Spread contains roughly 1121 calories, with 13g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 100g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1681mg per serving (73% 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 freeze the hot chicken spread?
Yes, you can freeze the hot chicken spread before baking. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. Freezing may alter the texture slightly, but it will still taste great.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe. It will add creaminess while reducing the calorie count. Alternatively, avocado can also be mashed and folded into the mixture for a unique flavor twist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your hot chicken spread, try incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the mixture. You could also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or use spicy mustard instead of regular mustard for an extra kick.
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).