Hot Turkey Or Chicken Salad
A comforting hot turkey or chicken casserole with creamy, savory flavors topped with crispy potato chips, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients (cooked turkey or chicken, celery seed, chopped onion, salad dressing, cracker crumbs, chopped hard-boiled eggs, cream of chicken soup) in a bowl.
- Place the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Sprinkle crushed potato chips on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using leftover turkey or chicken from Thanksgiving or any family dinner. If you don’t have celery seed, you can substitute it with finely chopped celery. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt. To keep it lighter, opt for a low-fat salad dressing. This dish is great for using up leftovers, making it an efficient choice for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hot Turkey or Chicken Salad with a crisp green salad or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or a light vegetable side dish. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, ensuring they are thoroughly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Turkey Or Chicken Salad contains roughly 342 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1599mg per serving (70% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option for this recipe, as it adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I freeze the Hot Turkey or Chicken Salad?
Yes, you can freeze this dish before baking. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a lighter option or need a substitute, you can use a homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup. This will slightly alter the flavor but will still create a deliciously creamy dish.
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).