La Porte Hot Chicken Salad
A comforting hot chicken salad baked with cream of chicken soup, vegetables, and crispy potato chips, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken pieces (from 4 double breasts) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 small can (4 oz) mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion
- 1/2 can water chestnuts, sliced in half ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Miracle Whip salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked rice in chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the salad dressing and lemon juice together in a bowl.
- Add cooked chicken, chopped celery, mushrooms, chopped onion, water chestnuts, cooked rice, shredded carrots, and the mixture from step 1 into a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with crushed potato chips.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the Miracle Whip with a homemade vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter taste. If you don't have chicken broth, water can be used for cooking rice, although it may lack some flavor. Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this warm casserole with a fresh side salad and crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with a light vinaigrette salad or steamed vegetables. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes. This dish is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of La Porte Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 438 calories, with 14g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (87% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1974mg per serving (86% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to your dish. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to top it with potato chips right before baking to keep them crispy. This makes it a convenient option for busy days!
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with cooked chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative. Additionally, use vegetable broth for cooking the rice and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is replaced with a vegetarian equivalent.
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).