Marian Melcher'S Hot Chicken Salad
A creamy, savory hot chicken salad with crunchy almonds and celery, topped with chips and baked to perfection—perfect for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch square pan.
- Top with potato chips.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise. If you're looking for crunch, substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. For a bit of spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture. This dish is a great way to utilize leftover chicken and fits well within classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This hot chicken salad is best served warm and can be accompanied by a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious flavors. It also makes a fantastic filling for a Buffet Sandwich Tray, perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover hot chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the texture mushy and the potato chips soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marian Melcher'S Hot Chicken Salad contains roughly 736 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2175mg per serving (95% 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 a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional, you can substitute with turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Just ensure any substitutions are cooked through and seasoned well to maintain flavor.
What kind of cheese works best in this dish?
Cheddar cheese is commonly used for its sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder taste or a blend of cheeses for a richer profile. Grating the cheese will help it melt evenly into the salad.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the potato chips right before baking to maintain their crunch. This makes it an easy dish to prepare for gatherings, including serving as part of a Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups spread.
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).