🌶️🍗 Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole ✨
A creamy, crunchy, spicy chicken casserole topped with a golden crispy crust
6
Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a comforting baked dish that combines tender chicken, creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, cheese, and a crispy topping. It’s a delicious way to turn classic chicken salad flavors into a warm, satisfying dinner.
🥘 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
Casserole Filling
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped pickles or relish (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (optional for heat)
Crispy Topping
- 1½ cups crushed potato chips or crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings.
- Stir in celery, onion, bell pepper, cheese, almonds, and jalapeños.
2. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Mix crushed chips with melted butter.
- Spread the crispy topping evenly over the casserole.
3. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
⭐ Tips for the Best Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and extra flavor.
- Add buffalo sauce for a spicy buffalo chicken version.
- Keep the crunchy topping separate if making ahead, then add before baking.
- Try buttery crackers instead of chips for a different crunch.
🍗 Flavor profile: creamy chicken 🥘 + cheesy richness 🧀 + fresh crunch 🥬 + crispy topping ✨ + a little heat 🌶️ = ultimate comfort casserole! 😋