This hot chicken salad recipe is a cozy, family-friendly classic made with tender chicken, crunchy celery, toasted almonds, and melty cheddar. It bakes to golden perfection and is perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or anytime you crave warm comfort food.
Hi friends, Angela here. If you’re anything like me, you probably love a dish that feels warm, comforting, and a little nostalgic. This hot chicken salad recipe checks all those boxes. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, and just downright satisfying. I first fell for this dish years ago during a family gathering, and it quickly became one of those beloved recipes we turn to whenever we need something easy yet special.
Living here in sunny Florida, I’m always looking for meals that come together quickly but still bring everyone around the table. With three kids and a busy life filled with travel dreams and everyday chaos, I appreciate recipes that don’t require fuss. This one is exactly that. It’s simple, dependable, and so good you might wonder where it’s been all your life.
If you enjoy comforting chicken dinners, you might also love my creamy Cajun chicken alfredo recipe. For something lighter but equally flavorful, you should take a peek at my refreshing tzatziki chicken salad too.
So grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into this delicious and comforting casserole-style classic.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for This Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
To make this cozy dish shine, you’ll want a balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements. Here are the main ingredients that bring this hot chicken salad recipe to life, along with what each one adds to the dish.
- Cooked Chicken
Tender shredded or cubed chicken forms the heart of the dish. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. - Celery
Chopped celery adds a fresh crunch that balances the creaminess. - Sliced Almonds
Almonds bring toasty flavor and a delicate crunch. They’re sprinkled on top for extra texture. - Onion
A little chopped onion adds mild heat and depth without overwhelming the dish. - Fresh Lemon Juice
Brightens up the casserole with a subtle tang. If you enjoy bright, cozy dishes, you might also love my lemon chicken orzo recipe which has the same warm, uplifting flavors. - Cayenne Pepper
Adds just a whisper of spice. You can always adjust to your taste. - Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasoning that pulls everything together. - Mayonnaise
The creamy base that binds all the ingredients. It becomes luscious when baked. - Water Chestnuts
They bring an unexpected bit of crunch that makes every bite more interesting. - Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Gives the dish its comforting, melty goodness on top and throughout. Fans of rich, hearty meals may also enjoy the deep, bold flavors of my brown stew chicken.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutions
One thing I love about recipes like this is how forgiving they are. You can mix and match depending on what you’ve got on hand. If you want added richness, try tossing in a spoonful of sour cream. It adds a creamy tang that blends beautifully with the mayonnaise.
If you’re not a fan of cheddar, swap it for Monterey Jack or Colby. They melt just as well and give a slightly milder flavor. Chopped green bell peppers can add sweetness and color. Fresh parsley or dill can bring a bit of brightness.
You can also play around with the nuts. Pecans or walnuts work nicely if almonds aren’t your thing. If you’d like a little extra crunch, add crushed buttery crackers on top. It gives the casserole a golden and crispy finish.
If you’re in the mood for another salad-style chicken dish with a totally different flavor profile, my zesty and refreshing Mexican chicken salad is another great option.
This dish is endlessly flexible, so feel free to make it your own.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
When you’re making a comforting dish like this hot chicken salad recipe, a few simple tips can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve learned what really brings out the best in this casserole.
Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken.
Chicken that’s still juicy gives you better texture and flavor. Dry chicken can make the casserole feel heavy.
Chop ingredients evenly.
Uniform pieces help everything bake together nicely, so no single bite feels off balance.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice.
It might seem like a small ingredient, but it brightens the whole dish. A little acidity cuts through the richness and keeps everything lively. - Toast the almonds if you can.
Lightly toasting them in a skillet brings out extra flavor and adds a warm nuttiness. It only takes a couple of minutes. - Choose good quality cheddar.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly than pre-shredded. If you have the time, shred it yourself. - Adjust the spice to your liking.
Cayenne adds a subtle kick, but feel free to increase or decrease it. You can also add paprika for color or red pepper flakes for extra heat. - Let the casserole rest after baking.
Give it five to ten minutes once it comes out of the oven. This helps it set and makes serving much easier. - Love quick comfort meals?
Then you’ll probably enjoy my simple and satisfying homemade chicken fried rice. It’s one of those go-to dishes you can throw together when life gets busy. - Don’t be afraid to customize.
Whether you add veggies, swap cheeses, or sprinkle in herbs, this dish is wonderfully adaptable.
These little tweaks can turn a simple casserole into something truly memorable for your family table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
This gives your oven plenty of time to reach the right temperature while you prepare the mixture. - Combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Add the chicken, celery, almonds (set aside a couple tablespoons), onion, lemon juice, cayenne, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, and two-thirds of the cheddar. - Mix everything gently.
Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. You want the ingredients to be coated but not mashed. - Pour the mixture into a greased 9 by 13 inch casserole dish.
Spread it out evenly so it bakes properly. - Top with the remaining cheese and almonds.
This creates a golden, crispy topping that tastes amazing. - Bake for about 30 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and lightly browned.
Additional Guide: Variations and Extra Techniques
If you’re in the mood to experiment, this dish welcomes creativity. Try adding cooked rice to stretch the recipe into a heartier meal. You can fold in peas or diced carrots for a bit more color and sweetness.
If you like a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika. It pairs beautifully with the cheddar and chicken. Crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs on top make for an extra crispy finish that kids especially love.
Another option is using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise. It lightens the dish a bit while still keeping it creamy.
You can even prepare the casserole ahead of time. Just cover it, refrigerate it, and bake when you’re ready. It’s great for busy days, holidays, or those times when life gets a little hectic.
FAQs About This Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Can I use canned chicken?
You can, but fresh or rotisserie chicken gives a better texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of almonds?
Pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds work well. Just choose something with a similar crunch.
Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly. The cayenne adds a gentle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your liking.
Conclusion
There you have it, friend. A warm and comforting hot chicken salad recipe that’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough to share with loved ones. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table without a fuss. I’ve made it countless times for my own family here in Florida, and it always brings smiles and full plates.
I hope you find this dish as cozy and satisfying as we do. Feel free to try different variations and make it truly yours. And if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Some of the best memories come from sharing good food and good moments with the people we care about.
Happy cooking, and until next time, friend.
Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 Casserole Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken cubed or shredded
- 3 cups celery chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds divided
- 3 tbsp onion chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 cans water chestnuts sliced, drained, 8-ounce each
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, celery, almonds (reserving 2 tablespoons), chopped onion, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, mayonnaise, water chestnuts, and cheddar cheese (reserving 1 cup).
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish coated with nonstick spray.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and almonds on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.