Description
This BEST Hot Chicken Salad is a warm, comforting casserole featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with crunchy almonds, water chestnuts, pimentos, celery, and cheddar cheese in a creamy mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup base. Baked to perfection and topped with crispy French fried onions, it makes an easy and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 (8-oz) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
- 1 (4-oz) jar diced pimentos, drained
- 2 cups chopped celery
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (or to taste)
Topping
- 1 (3-oz) can French fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9x13x2-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped cooked chicken, sliced almonds, drained water chestnuts, drained diced pimentos, chopped celery, and lemon juice. Stir in the mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, unsalted cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined.
- Spread Mixture in Pan: Spread the combined chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through thoroughly.
- Add Topping and Continue Baking: After the initial baking, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the onions are golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm. Enjoy the hot chicken salad as a tasty main dish or side for your meal.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for up to 3 days.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure French fried onions are gluten-free or omit them.
