Ultimate Retro Hot Chicken Salad Casserole: A Family Favorite Baked Dish
Prepare to fall in love with a dish that has charmed generations! This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a delightful throwback – a creamy, baked chicken “salad” with a wonderfully crunchy potato chip topping that holds a special place in our family’s heart. If you’re searching for a comforting, easy, and undeniably delicious meal, look no further than this iconic Hot Chicken Salad Casserole. It’s the kind of vintage recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to any table, perfect for a cozy dinner or a lively family gathering.
This post is sponsored by Diamond of California, a brand we trust and love for quality nuts.
You might be tempted to pass over a casserole recipe, especially one labeled “retro,” but please, don’t! This Baked Chicken Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a legend in our family’s culinary history. Originating from my great-grandma Faye, this mid-century marvel has been a staple for decades. My mom vividly recalls Great Grandma Faye bringing this scrumptious casserole to family gatherings when she was a little girl. Now, it’s my mom’s turn to carry on the tradition, preparing it for us every time we gather, ensuring that this cherished comfort food continues to delight new generations.
The moment this Hot Chicken Salad Casserole hits the table, it’s a delightful race to gobble it up! It’s so beloved that at our Thanksgiving feasts, it often competes with, and sometimes even surpasses, the popularity of the traditional turkey and mashed potatoes. This speaks volumes about its simple yet incredibly scrumptious nature. There’s a certain magic in its combination of creamy richness, fresh ingredients, and that irresistible crispy topping that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser and a truly beloved retro casserole.
The Irresistible Flavor Profile of Our Baked Chicken Salad
This dish delivers exactly what its name promises: a luscious, creamy, mayonnaise-based chicken “salad” transformed into a warm, baked delight. It’s generously filled with fresh scallions, crisp celery for a delightful bite, a bright squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness, and the delightful crunch of perfectly toasted slivered almonds. These elements combine to create a symphony of textures and flavors that are both familiar and incredibly satisfying, making every spoonful a true pleasure.
Originally, this vintage recipe called for a can of cream of chicken soup to achieve its signature creaminess – a common shortcut in mid-century cooking. However, recognizing that many modern home cooks prefer to avoid canned soups, I’ve thoughtfully updated the recipe. I’ve swapped out the canned soup for a quick, easy, and equally delicious homemade sauce. This ensures you get that rich, comforting base made from scratch, without sacrificing any flavor or adding unnecessary preservatives. For those who appreciate the original shortcut and wish to save a step, I’ve also included instructions for using the canned soup option in the notes section. Either way, the heart of this comforting baked chicken dish remains the same: pure, delicious goodness.
But what truly elevates this chicken casserole from simply “good” to “unforgettable” are the finishing touches. The cheesy potato chip topping is absolutely non-negotiable – it provides an incredible salty, savory, and gloriously crispy contrast to the creamy filling. And those toasted slivered almonds? They add another layer of texture, a subtle nuttiness, and a depth of flavor that is simply divine. Seriously, do not skimp on either of these! They are essential for achieving the authentic, mouthwatering experience of this cherished family recipe. Their combination creates a texture party that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Why This Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a Must-Try Comfort Food
This Hot Chicken Salad, as we affectionately call it, isn’t just one of my favorites; it’s a culinary hug in a dish. Beyond its incredible taste – and trust me, it tastes absolutely fantastic with every spoonful – there’s a profound sense of nostalgia baked into every single bite. It transports you back to simpler times, to cherished family dinners, and heartwarming memories. This dish truly embodies the essence of comfort food. Sometimes, you just need that comforting throwback casserole, that culinary embrace from the past, don’t you? It’s the perfect antidote to a long day, offering both satisfaction and a trip down memory lane.
It’s wonderfully versatile too! Great Grandma Faye originally served this casserole as a hearty side dish, a perfect accompaniment to other main courses at family gatherings. However, my mom and I both prefer to elevate it to the star of the meal, serving it generously over fluffy steamed rice. This transforms it into a robust, satisfying main course that’s ideal for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. For a lighter option, you could even serve it alongside a crisp green salad. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, I genuinely hope this Hot Chicken Salad Casserole recipe brings as much joy and deliciousness to your table as it does to ours.
Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Salad Bake
- Chicken Preparation is Key: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts. You can easily boil, bake, or even use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Just ensure it’s cooled slightly before shredding and mixing.
- Don’t Skip Toasting the Almonds: This small step makes a huge difference! Toasting the slivered almonds brings out their rich, nutty flavor, adding an extra layer of deliciousness and an irresistible crunch to the casserole. Keep a close eye on them in the oven, as they can toast quickly.
- Mastering the Homemade Sauce: If you’re opting for the homemade creamy sauce, whisk constantly when gradually adding the chicken stock to prevent any lumps from forming. This technique ensures a smooth, velvety base for your chicken mixture.
- The Perfect Potato Chip Topping: For maximum crunch and savory flavor, choose your favorite brand of plain or lightly salted potato chips. Crushing them by hand or in a food processor works perfectly. Remember to combine them with the shredded cheddar cheese just before sprinkling over the casserole to maintain their crispness.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the entire creamy chicken salad mixture (before adding the potato chip topping) a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the potato chip and cheese topping just before baking to ensure it stays perfectly crisp.
- Serving Suggestions Beyond Rice: While incredibly delicious over steamed rice, this baked chicken salad casserole also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a lighter meal, or with roasted vegetables for a complete and wholesome dinner.
Chicken Salad Bake
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Ingredients
- 1 cup slivered almonds (114 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken stock (180 ml)
- ¼ cup milk , any percent (60 ml)
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts (520 grams, about 2 large breasts)
- 1 cup chopped celery (142 grams)
- 3 scallions , chopped (white and light green parts only)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (128 grams)
- 1 lemon , juiced
- 1 cup potato chips , crushed (35 grams)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (113 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds onto a sheet pan in a single layer. Toast them in the preheated oven until they turn lightly golden brown, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely. This step is crucial for enhancing their nutty flavor and adding that perfect crunch to the casserole.
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In a medium skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until it forms a thick, smooth paste. This is your roux, which will serve as the delicious base for your creamy sauce. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t brown too much, just enough to cook out the raw flour taste.
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Gradually add the chicken stock to the roux, a little at a time, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth sauce. Wait until each addition of stock is fully incorporated and smooth before adding more. Once all the stock is added, stir in the milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened and achieved a smooth, glossy consistency. Remember to stir frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly made creamy chicken sauce, the shredded cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, fresh green onion (scallions), creamy mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and the cooled toasted almonds. Mix all these flavorful ingredients together until everything is well combined and the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Transfer this delightful chicken salad mixture into a medium or large greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed potato chips and the shredded cheddar cheese, then generously spread this irresistible topping evenly over the chicken mixture.
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Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready for the next step when the sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges, indicating that the casserole is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully. Carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for about 10 minutes more, or until the potato chip and cheese topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and becomes delightfully crispy.
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Serve this comforting Hot Chicken Salad Casserole immediately while it’s warm and the topping is at its crispiest. For a truly satisfying and complete meal, spoon generous portions over beds of fluffy steamed rice, if desired. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comforting, delicious food is appreciated. Enjoy every nostalgic bite!
Notes
Disclosure: This post is proudly sponsored by Diamond of California, a brand that consistently delivers high-quality nuts, as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. We are committed to supporting partnerships with brands we genuinely love and believe in, as they are instrumental in making Completely Delicious possible. Rest assured, all opinions expressed here are always 100% my own and reflect my honest experience with their products.
To explore more fantastic recipes that brilliantly incorporate nuts, make sure to visit the Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them and discover more culinary inspiration on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.