Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Hot Chicken Salad is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with cooked chicken and toasted almonds. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about an hour.
Pioneer Woman Hot Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 cup almonds, toasted
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded American cheese
- ¼ cup lemon juice or to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal
How To Make Pioneer Woman Hot Chicken Salad
- Prep the oven and mix the salad: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped celery, toasted almonds, mayonnaise, sour cream, American cheese, lemon juice, and chopped onion.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken salad mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Top the entire casserole with the crushed cornflakes.
- Bake until bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the edges are bubbly.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best way to cook the chicken? For a super quick shortcut, you can use the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. You will need about 4 cups of diced or shredded chicken.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the chicken salad mixture and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, transfer it to the baking dish, add the cornflake topping, and bake as directed.
- Can I use a different nut? If you don’t have almonds, this casserole is also delicious with an equal amount of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts.
- How do I know when it’s done? The casserole is ready when it is heated all the way through and you can see the creamy filling bubbling around the edges of the dish.
What To Serve With Hot Chicken Salad
This hearty casserole is a complete meal, but it also pairs well with simple sides.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A side of fresh fruit salad
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
How To Store Hot Chicken Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Hot Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 636kcal
- Fat: 51g
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 32g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this served hot or cold?
This is a hot chicken salad casserole, served warm directly from the oven.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. While American cheese provides a classic, creamy melt, you could easily substitute it with an equal amount of shredded sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Monterey Jack cheese.
Do I have to use cornflakes for the topping?
No. If you don’t have cornflakes, you can substitute them with an equal amount of crushed potato chips, buttery cracker crumbs (like Ritz), or panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
A creamy, savory, and comforting baked chicken salad casserole with a crunchy cornflake topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, almonds, mayonnaise, sour cream, cheese, lemon juice, and onion.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top evenly with the crushed cornflakes.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Notes
- u003cliu003eUsing a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut for this recipe.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is a perfect recipe for a potluck or a comforting weeknight dinner.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise and sour cream.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be afraid to customize this recipe with your favorite cheese or nuts.u003c/liu003e
