Delicious Southern Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

When it comes to classic southern dishes, hot chicken salad ranks high on the list. And if you love hot chicken salad, then you are in for a real treat because I have a cozy and flavorful chicken casserole recipe that will make your taste buds sing.

This southern chicken salad casserole recipe is something that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make and has all of the flavors you would expect from a traditional hot chicken salad, plus it’s topped with potato chips for added crunch.

I promise you that once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your regulars for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So, gather up these delicious ingredients, put on some good music, roll up those sleeves, and let’s cook up something amazing together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me paint a picture for you: it’s a cozy evening, and you’re craving something warm and flavorful to feed your family. Look no further than this classic Southern dish with a twist- hot chicken salad casserole.

I promise you’ll love this recipe for its cozy flavor, serving versatility, and ease of preparation. The combination of tender chicken breast, crunchy celery, and slivered almonds topped with crispy potato chips will have your taste buds dancing with delight. And don’t forget the mayonnaise – it gives this dish that creamy texture that we all know and love.

Not only is this casserole perfect for a comforting dinner at home, but it’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s an excellent option if you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

But what really sets this recipe apart are the endless possibilities for customizations. You can substitute different types of chicken (rotisserie, chunk, canned) depending on what you have on hand or your personal preference. Add some pickle relish to give it an extra kick of flavor or throw in some shredded cheese right before baking for extra gooeyness.

So trust me when I say- give this Southern chicken salad casserole recipe a try. Your whole family will be asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Ingredient List

Let’s go over the ingredient list to create this delicious Southern Chicken Salad Casserole. This recipe requires a few components of a classic chicken salad, along with some unique ingredients that are perfect for this casserole.

Salad Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (can use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken breast)
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Casserole Ingredients

• 2 cups potato chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fried onions

This mixture will make for a cozy and flavorful casserole, perfect for dinner or at any other time you’re feeling snacky. The recipe calls for some diced celery, which adds a little crunch and freshness to your poultry salad. The chopped onions and lemon juice give it an extra kick, and the slivered almonds provide a sweet note. When combined with cheese and crispy fried onions, it’s one out-of-this-world intriguing flavor profile.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it is time to dive into the recipe and create a cozy and flavorful southern chicken salad casserole. Follow my step-by-step instructions to impress everyone with this classic southern dish!

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Salad

To start, in a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken, 1 cup of diced onions, 1 cup of diced celery, and 1/2 cup of slivered almonds. Mix them well with a spoon.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Next, add the mayo mixture to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables. Mix well until everything is coated evenly.

Step 2: Layering the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.

Place half of a bag of your favorite potato chips on the bottom of the dish, making sure there are no gaps between them. Pour all the prepared chicken salad over them.

Add another layer of chips on top of the chicken salad, followed by another layer of slivered almonds (1/4 cup).

Step 3: Bake Your Casserole

Cover with shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) and top with fried onions (1/4 cup).

Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 4: Serve Up

Remove from oven and let cool down for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve fresh out of the oven for an extra crispy chip crunch, or let cool and refrigerate for later as leftovers taste just as good.

Additional tips

• If you want to save time, use canned chicken breast instead of cooking.
• Add some pickle relish to the salad mixture for extra tangy flavor.
• This recipe also works great with leftover pecan chicken, shredded chicken or your favorite chicken salad recipe. Just remember to keep the ratios consistent.
• One of my favorite ways to enjoy this casserole is with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness.
• Don’t be hesitant to modify the recipe by using baked chips instead of fried or switching up the type of nuts used for texture variation.

Now that you know a secret southern-style recipe, your family dinners will never go unnoticed. Have fun making this dish and enjoy every warm and crispy bite!

Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to making a classic southern chicken salad casserole, there are plenty of ingredients you can substitute or vary to create your own unique twist on the recipe without sacrificing flavor. Here are some suggestions:

– Instead of using chicken breast, you can use canned chicken breast, shredded chicken, hot chicken, pecan chicken, fried chicken, or even chunk chicken for added texture and flavor.

– For a vegetarian option, go for egg salad sandwiches or eliminate the meat altogether and just stick with veggies.

– Love pickles? Add in some diced pickle relish for a tangy kick.

– If you want to cut back on calories, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

– Don’t have slivered almonds? Try crushed pecans or walnuts instead.

– Crumble up some bacon and mix it in for an extra savory element.

– Instead of potato chips on top, try fried onions or crumbled crackers for some crunch.

By experimenting with these substitutions and variations, you can take this classic southern dish and make it your own. The possibilities are endless and are sure to please your taste buds.

Serving and Pairing

Now that you’ve prepared a delicious Southern Chicken Salad Casserole, it’s time to think about how to serve and pair this dish. This cozy and flavorful chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or even on special occasions such as potlucks and family gatherings.

To serve, spoon a generous helping of the chicken salad casserole onto your plate and garnish with some potato chips for an extra crunch. The combination of the creamy chicken mixture with the crispy chips is irresistible. You could also serve it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

When it comes to pairing, consider adding a green salad with a refreshing vinaigrette as a side dish. The acidity of the dressing will balance out the richness of the casserole very nicely. Additionally, steamed vegetables such as broccoli and carrots could add some color and nutritional value to your meal.

For beverages, I suggest reaching for unsweetened iced tea or lemonade to refresh your palate without adding too much sweetness or competing flavors.

Overall, this classic Southern dish hot chicken salad casserole recipe is one that your whole family will love. It’s flexible enough to pair well with many different sides, making it an ideal option for any occasion when you’re looking for a cozy and flavorful chicken dinner recipe.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

As much as I love a hot chicken salad casserole straight out of the oven, sometimes it’s just not possible to make it right before dinner. That’s why I’m happy to share my tips for making this southern-style chicken salad casserole ahead of time, storing it properly, and reheating it perfectly.

To make this recipe ahead of time, simply follow the instructions in steps 1-6 and then stop before topping with the potato chips. Allow the casserole to cool completely and then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.

When you’re ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes while you preheat your oven. Top with crushed potato chips and continue with step 7 of the recipe.

If you have leftovers or want to store some for later, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat leftovers or a frozen casserole, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

If you’re looking for a quicker way to reheat individual portions, you can also use the microwave. Simply transfer one serving to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Just make sure not to leave your reheated chicken salad casserole out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Follow these tips and you’ll have cozy and flavorful chicken casserole anytime!

Tips for Perfect Results

Now, let’s talk about some essential tips to make sure your Southern Chicken Salad Casserole recipe turns out perfect every time.

Tip #1: Don’t overcook the chicken

Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough, so it’s crucial to keep an eye on the cooking time. The best way to cook the chicken breast is to poach it in a pot of simmering water until it’s cooked through but still tender. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for a more flavorful option.

Tip #2: Use fresh ingredients

As with any recipe, using fresh ingredients will make all the difference in taste. Make sure your onions and celery are crisp and not too old, and use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of packaged.

Tip #3: Choose the right potatoes chips

For the topping of this casserole, I recommend using classic thick-cut potato chips than thin ones that soak up the moisture and turn soggy. Spread the chips evenly over the salad to get a crispy crunch in every bite.

Tip #4: Add slivered almonds for crunch

If you like your salads with a little crunch, adding slivered almonds will take this casserole to another level. Toast them beforehand in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil and salt until browned and aromatic.

Tip #5: Let it cool slightly before serving

The Southern Chicken Salad Casserole is best served warm or at room temperature, but let it cool slightly before serving so that everything sets nicely. If you’re making this ahead, reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have a cozy, flavorful Chicken Casserole that your whole family will love!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, you need to try this amazing Southern Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe if you are looking for a dish that will leave your taste buds fully satisfied. It’s a classic southern dish that perfectly balances the tender cooked chicken, the crispy slivered almonds, the crunchy celery, and the richness of mayonnaise. Moreover, the addition of lemon juice, salt, and pepper add an extra layer of flavor that complements each ingredient in this dish.

Don’t underestimate the power of potato chips to elevate your recipes to another level. In this recipe, they provide a cozy and flavorful topping that delights your senses with every bite.

I highly recommend this recipe as it is easy to make, budget-friendly and can be tailored to suit any occasion or preference. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or Sunday family gatherings. Once you prepare it, get ready to receive compliments from everyone who tastes it!

If you’re looking for more dinner recipes inspired by Southern-style cuisine, then look no further than this mouthwatering recipe. With so many options for substitutions and variations, this Southern Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is ideal for anyone who loves hot chicken salad but wants to switch up their traditional way of making it. The possibilities are endless!

Give this recipe a try today and watch as it becomes a firm favorite among your family and friends. You won’t be disappointed!

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