Hot Chicken Salad Recipe (2024)

This hot chicken salad with potato chips is perfect for entertaining or dinner. It’s a classic recipe that combines juicy chicken with the extra crunch of celery and almonds, and is topped with a mix of cheddar cheese and potato chips for a salty-sweet finish.

This hearty and delicious hot chicken salad recipe is not only a great dinner option, but the leftovers also taste great! The crunch of the potato chips and the flavorful chicken salad make for a truly satisfying meal.

If you love this salad recipe, you might want to try my other chicken salad recipes, like the curry chicken salad or the classic chicken salad with grapes. Or give this tasty hot tuna salad a shot! They’re all easy to make and packed with flavor!

This recipe comes from my mom’s handwritten recipe book she has loaned me so I can dig through all of her favorites. I loved the flavors of this recipe as a child and was excited to make it again as an adult. It did not disappoint!

Why I Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food: This hot chicken casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy night in or time spent with guests.
• Delicious: The big chunks of delicious chicken soak up every little bit of flavor from the celery. Yum!
• Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with the whole family. The combination of chicken, celery, almonds, and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
• Time-Saving: You can make this chicken salad ahead of time, up to 24 hours, minus the potato chips. This not only saves time, but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious dish.
• Budget-Friendly: This hot chicken salad casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Key Ingredients

• Chicken: The star of the show, fully cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces, provides the main protein in our hot chicken salad.
• Celery: Chopped celery adds a refreshing crunch and a pop of color to the salad.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, making the salad more savory.
• Toasted Almonds: These add a nutty flavor and an extra crunch, making the salad more interesting and satisfying.
• Onion: Minced onion provides a subtle, sweet flavor and a bit of zesty bite to the salad.
• Mayonnaise: This is the base of our salad, providing a creamy texture and a tangy flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shreds of cheddar cheese add a rich, cheesy flavor and melt beautifully in the oven.
• Potato Chips: Crushes potato chips on top of the salad add an unexpected, delicious crunch and a salty sweetness.

Equipment

• 2-Quart baking dish – This is where you’ll combine the chicken, celery, salt, almonds, onion, and mayonnaise. It’s also the dish in which you’ll bake the hot chicken salad and top it with cheese and potato chips.
• Knife – You’ll need this to cut the fully cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and to chop the celery.
• Measuring cups and spoons – These are essential to measure out the ingredients, including the salt, almonds, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese.

How to Make Hot Chicken Salad With Potato Chips

Preparation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. This is the temperature at which you’ll bake your hot chicken salad with potato chips.

Step 1 – Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the fully cooked chicken, celery, salt, toasted almonds, and minced onion. Add the mayonnaise and mix everything together until well combined.

Step 2 – Layer the Chicken Mixture

Transfer the chicken mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 3 – Add the Cheese and Potato Chips

Next, top the chicken mixture with shredded cheddar cheese. Then, crush the potato chips and sprinkle them over the cheese.

Step 4 – Bake the Chicken Salad

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. The cheese will melt, and the potato chips will become golden and crispy.

Step 5 – Serve the Hot Chicken Salad

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the hot chicken salad while it’s still warm.

Expert Tips

To toast your almonds, place single layer onto a baking dish in the oven at 350° F. Bake for 3 to 4 minutes. Check every minute until they are toasted.

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Recipe Variations

• Spicier: If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken salad mixture. This will give your hot cheesy chicken casserole a spicy twist that’s guaranteed to please.
• Other Chopped Veggies: While the recipe calls for celery, feel free to add other chopped veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even some corn. This is a great way to add more color and nutrition to your dish.
• Mediterranean Flavors: For a unique twist, add some chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese to the chicken salad mixture. This will give it a Mediterranean flair that’s simply delicious.
• Other Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with the flavors. If you enjoy bacon, consider adding some chopped bits into the casserole. Similarly, you can add chopped sausage and more!

What to Serve With

• For a hearty meal, serve hot chicken salad with potato chips alongside a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of the warm, crunchy salad and the smooth, buttery mashed potatoes is a real crowd-pleaser.
• If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair this dish with a fresh garden salad. The crisp, refreshing salad is a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy chicken salad, making for a well-balanced meal.
• You can also serve it with dill pickles, roasted red potatoes, sauteed greens, or some cheese bread to make it more filling.
• For a fun, casual meal, serve it in a sandwich. Simply scoop the hot chicken salad onto a toasted bun and top with a few extra potato chips for a satisfying crunch.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: After enjoying this delicious hot chicken salad with potato chips, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Unfortunately, due to the mayonnaise in the recipe, this dish doesn’t freeze well. The mayonnaise can separate and change texture when thaw, which can alter the overall quality of the dish.
• Reheat Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover hot chicken salad with potato chips, simply reheat it in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This hot chicken salad recipe yields a hearty dish that can serve up to eight people.
• How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve more than eight people, you can easily double the recipe and follow the instructions as directed. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the increased quantity.