Mohamed Shili This easy hot chicken salad is perfect for a quick, comforting meal. It’s creamy, packed with tender chicken and sharp cheddar, and topped with crispy potato chips for that satisfying crunch. You can easily customize it with common pantry ingredients like diced veggies or a different cheese. Enjoy a warm, delicious dish in no time!
Recipe Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cups cooked cubed chicken breast
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed potato chips
How To Make Hot Chicken Salad?
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
- Combine the chicken, celery, almonds, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top to create a crispy layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken breast. Pre-cooked or leftover chicken works, but freshly cooked chicken will add more juiciness and taste.
- Choose Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor that balances well with the creamy base. Milder cheese won’t give the same depth.
- Crush Chips Evenly: Make sure the potato chips are crushed into even pieces for a consistent crispy topping. Avoid large chunks to ensure an even bake.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese, giving the dish a balanced flavor.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Ensure the dish is baked until the cheese mixture is bubbly and golden. This helps the flavors meld and adds a perfect top texture.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Hot Chicken Salad cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let the Hot Chicken Salad cool to room temperature before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat: Transfer a portion of the Hot Chicken Salad to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway to ensure even heating.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 cup)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Potassium: 250 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 10 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
Check out More Recipes:
Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad
Description
This easy hot chicken salad is perfect for a quick, comforting meal. It’s creamy, packed with tender chicken and sharp cheddar, and topped with crispy potato chips for that satisfying crunch. You can easily customize it with common pantry ingredients like diced veggies or a different cheese. Enjoy a warm, delicious dish in no time!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray.
- Combine the chicken, celery, almonds, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top to create a crispy layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken breast. Pre-cooked or leftover chicken works, but freshly cooked chicken will add more juiciness and taste.
- Choose Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a bold flavor that balances well with the creamy base. Milder cheese won’t give the same depth.
- Crush Chips Evenly: Make sure the potato chips are crushed into even pieces for a consistent crispy topping. Avoid large chunks to ensure an even bake.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice adds a slight tang that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and cheese, giving the dish a balanced flavor.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Ensure the dish is baked until the cheese mixture is bubbly and golden. This helps the flavors meld and adds a perfect top texture.
Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad
