If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines warmth, crispiness, and a burst of creamy flavors, this Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Imagine tender shredded chicken blended with creamy mayo and sour cream, mingling with fresh veggies and sharp cheddar, all baked to golden perfection under a crunchy, buttery fried onion topping. This casserole not only fills your kitchen with amazing aromas but also delivers on texture and flavor, making it a true favorite for family meals or potlucks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, but carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create a rich, hearty, and textured meal. Each component adds its own special touch — from the creamy base to the fresh crunch and the melty, cheesy goodness.
- Cooked chicken, shredded: The star protein providing moist and flavorful bites throughout the casserole.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness, binding the ingredients beautifully.
- Sour cream: Gives a slight tang that balances the flavors perfectly.
- Frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: Brings color, freshness, and nutrition to the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole for a melty, savory touch.
- Chopped celery: Adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.
- Chopped onion: Introduces subtle sweetness and depth.
- Garlic powder: Infuses gentle warmth and flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all ingredients.
- Crushed crispy fried onions: The secret to that irresistible crunchy topping.
- Melted butter: Helps the topping crisp to golden perfection with rich flavor.
How to Make Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and lays the foundation for a perfectly baked dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, thawed mixed vegetables, cheddar cheese, chopped celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until you have an even, creamy mixture packed with flavors and textures ready to turn into comfort food greatness.
Step 3: Transfer Mixture to the Casserole Dish
Now, spread your creamy chicken salad mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Smooth the surface gently to ensure even baking later on.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping
Mix the crushed crispy fried onions with the melted butter in a small bowl. This combination is what transforms the top of your casserole into a golden, crunchy delight.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Onion Topping
Sprinkle your buttered crispy onion mixture evenly over the top of your casserole. Distributing it well guarantees each slice will have that perfect crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Bake your casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You want it golden brown on top and bubbling hot all the way through, signaling it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Step 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This brief cooling period helps it set, making serving easier and ensuring every bite stays intact.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the casserole for a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. A light drizzle of hot sauce can also add an extra kick if you like a little more spice.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or serve alongside buttery dinner rolls to soak up every creamy, crispy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or muffin tins, turning this comforting casserole into charming single-serving delights perfect for casual gatherings or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy this cozy dish without rushing.
Freezing
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe freezes well! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake. Wrap it securely and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered, to restore that crispy topping and warm interior. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like diced carrots, peas, and corn can be used; just lightly steam or sauté them beforehand to match the texture and moisture of thawed frozen veggies.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Yes, you can add diced jalapeños, a teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or some hot sauce to the mixture before baking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream for a lighter option?
For a lighter casserole, try using Greek yogurt in place of mayo and sour cream. It will keep the creaminess with fewer calories and add a pleasant tang.
What type of chicken works best in this recipe?
Leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breast shredded by hand both work perfectly. Using well-seasoned chicken enhances overall flavor, but plain cooked chicken is fine too.
How can I make the casserole gluten-free?
Simply replace the fried onions with gluten-free fried onion toppings or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients, like mayo and cheese, are labeled gluten-free for safety.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in food form. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for bringing people together around your dining table. So grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to indulge in creamy, crispy, cheesy goodness that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, mixed vegetables, and cheddar cheese. Topped with buttery crispy fried onions, it bakes to a golden, crunchy delight perfect for a family meal or potluck.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups crushed crispy fried onions (like French’s)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, thawed mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well blended.
- Transfer to casserole dish: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring an even layer for baking.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crispy fried onions together with the melted butter until the onions are evenly coated.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the buttered crispy fried onion mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through thoroughly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and to enjoy the flavors together.
Notes
- The crispy fried onion topping can be substituted with homemade breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a different crunch.
- Use fresh mixed vegetables if preferred, but ensure they are cooked or softened before mixing.
- For a spicier option, add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
