If you are craving a comforting, flavorful dish with just the right crunch and creaminess, then this Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of tender shredded chicken, creamy mayo and sour cream, vibrant mixed vegetables, and that irresistible crispy fried onion topping that takes each bite to the next level. Whether for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole delivers warmth, texture, and taste all in one satisfying dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is a fantastic example of how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can create something truly special. Each component has a unique role, from the creamy base to the crunchy topping, ensuring a balanced and delicious outcome.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein foundation, tender and ready to absorb flavors.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the salad together smoothly.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a subtle tanginess, balancing richness with a velvety texture.
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: A colorful medley that adds freshness, texture, and nutrients.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted in for gooey, cheesy indulgence and a sharp kick.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Provides a refreshing crunch and subtle peppery notes.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Offers depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness as it bakes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and complexity without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups crushed crispy fried onions: The star topping that delivers unmistakable crunch and golden color.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps the fried onions brown beautifully and enhances flavor.
How to Make Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish is key—it ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes serving a breeze after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the core ingredients—shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, thawed vegetables, cheddar cheese, celery, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well blended so every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Transfer and Flatten the Mixture
Once mixed, spread the chicken salad evenly into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. This even layer ensures consistent cooking and an attractive presentation.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping
Mix the crushed crispy fried onions with melted butter in a small bowl. This simple combo makes the topping perfectly golden and irresistibly crunchy once baked.
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle your buttered crispy onion mixture evenly over the casserole. Then place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and everything is piping hot inside.
Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes—this resting time helps it set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe even more, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions. These add a burst of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the casserole’s richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some buttery dinner rolls. The lighter sides balance the creamy, heavy casserole, creating a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. It makes each portion feel special and keeps the crispy topping intact. You could also layer it in a clear dish to show off the vibrant ingredients for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner replays a delicious option.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will maintain optimal flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping is crisp again—about 20-25 minutes. This helps preserve that signature crispy fried onion crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn work well—you may need to lightly steam them beforehand to match the tenderness of the thawed frozen mix.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Sure! Adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture elevates heat, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top with the fried onions for an exciting kick.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream?
You can try Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy option, though the texture and tang may differ slightly from the original recipe’s luscious creaminess.
What type of chicken should I use?
Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thighs both work great. Using leftover roast or rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that keeps the casserole flavorful and moist.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Make sure the butter melts completely and is evenly mixed with the fried onions before baking. You can also broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to get an ultra-crisp, golden finish—just watch it closely.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. The comforting creamy filling paired with that golden, crunchy topping is utterly irresistible and sure to become a beloved family favorite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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 that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, mixed vegetables, and cheddar cheese. Topped with a golden, crispy fried onion crust, it’s baked to perfection for a satisfying meal that is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prepare it for baking.
- 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 all ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly across the bottom for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crispy fried onions with the melted butter to create a buttery, crunchy topping.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the onion and butter mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through completely.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving to ensure it sets nicely and is safe to eat.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to use fresh vegetables if preferred, just lightly steam them before mixing.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use light mayonnaise.
- The crispy fried onions added last provide a delightful texture contrast to the creamy mixture.
- This casserole is great for reheating and makes excellent leftovers.
