Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken salad into an irresistible, piping-hot comfort dish that'll have everyone begging for seconds! This Easy Hot Chicken Salad is not your typical cold sandwich filling - it's a cheesy, crunchy, warm delight that elevates the classic recipe to a whole new level of deliciousness. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want something quick yet impressive, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal that combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures in one incredible dish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your hot chicken salad is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of chopped celery, and 1/4 cup of chopped onion. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
- Add in the 1/2 cup of sliced almonds and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir again to incorporate these ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into the bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the mayonnaise.
- Transfer the chicken salad mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help the salad cook uniformly in the oven.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the salad is heated through and the top is slightly golden and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the hot chicken salad warm, either on its own or with crackers, toast, or a side of fresh salad greens for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience
- Ensure your chicken is thoroughly shredded for even mixing
- Toast the almonds before adding for enhanced nutty flavor
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture
- Don't overmix the ingredients to maintain a light, fluffy consistency
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle
- For a crispy top, sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs before baking
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Monterey Jack
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture experience
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
