Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken
shredded or chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
grated
- 1 cup potato chips
slightly crushed
- 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup celery
finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bacon
cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch mix
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to tastekosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a square baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2
Place chicken, cheese, celery and bacon in a large bowl.
- 3
In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ranch mix, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Stir mayonnaise mixture into chicken until everything is evenly coated, then transfer everything to greased baking dish.
- 5
Top baking dish with crushed potato chips, then place in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until mixture is hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
- 6
Remove from oven and serve hot.
Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
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Based on 480 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Prepare to convert even the most skeptical eaters with this incredibly satisfying Hot Chicken Salad Casserole. It takes the beloved flavors of creamy chicken salad and transforms them into a warm, bubbly, and utterly irresistible baked dish that's destined to become a family favorite.
This recipe works wonders because it artfully balances rich, savory components with bright, fresh notes. The creamy base, infused with the tang of lemon juice and a hint of Worcestershire, perfectly coats tender chicken. But the true genius lies in the crispy potato chip topping, which provides an unexpected, delightful crunch that elevates this casserole far beyond a simple comfort food.
What you'll experience is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce, punctuated by crisp pieces of celery and smoky, salty bacon. Each bite delivers a comforting warmth, a satisfying creaminess, and that addictive crunch from the topping. It's hearty without being heavy, flavorful without being overwhelming, and feels like a warm hug in a dish.
Customization is simple with this versatile casserole. You can easily swap out sharp cheddar for another melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder profile. If you're out of potato chips, crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs tossed with a little melted butter make a fantastic crispy topping alternative. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
This Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or as a standout dish at your next potluck. Serve it alongside a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or with some warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last bit.