Jeannette'S Hot Chicken Salad
A comforting hot chicken salad with crunchy potato chip topping, creamy dressing, and savory seasonings, perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the cubed chicken, sliced celery, slivered almonds, chopped onion, lemon juice, chopped green pepper, salt, mayonnaise, and light cream in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with crushed potato chips and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle paprika over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until heated through and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use roasted or smoked chicken for a deeper taste. If you prefer a bit of spice, adding diced jalapeños can give a nice kick. To make this dish lighter, you could swap the light cream for unsweetened almond milk.
Serving Suggestions
This hot chicken salad is excellent served with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Scorned Woman Buffalo Wings for a game day spread. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeannette'S Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 342 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1585mg per serving (69% 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 and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble it in the casserole dish and bake it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of slivered almonds?
If you don't have slivered almonds, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different texture. Alternatively, sunflower seeds can provide a nice crunch and are nut-free, making them suitable for those with nut allergies.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option. Additionally, using a plant-based mayonnaise and skipping the cream will keep the dish creamy while making it completely vegetarian-friendly.
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).