Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This casserole is made with cooked chicken, celery, onion, rice, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, and a creamy mayonnaise sauce. Topped with crunchy potato chips and melted cheddar cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

The origins of Hot Chicken Salad Casserole are a bit unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the southern United States. This casserole is a popular dish at potlucks and family gatherings, as it is easy to make and can feed a crowd. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and creamy sauce makes this casserole a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

4 to 5 cooked chicken breast halves, cut into pieces
3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup of instant rice
1 can of cream of celery soup
1 cup of chicken broth
1 tbsp of salt
0.5 tbsp of pepper
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of potato chip crumbs
2 cups of cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients except potato chips and cheese.
Place the mixture in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with potato chips and cheese.
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 40 to 45 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Swiss.
Substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup.
Add a sprinkle of paprika or dried herbs for extra seasoning.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.

- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save time.

- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this casserole, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers.

- For a healthier version, you can use low-fat mayonnaise and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.

- Make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole can be served with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cooked turkey or pork instead of chicken.

- Substitute the instant rice with cooked white or brown rice.

- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add the potato chips and cheese right before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hot Chicken Salad Casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions.

Pairing Recommendations

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of fruit salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hot Chicken Salad Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hot Chicken Salad Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hot Chicken Salad Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hot Chicken Salad Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs (mayonnaise).

Summary

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This casserole is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Serve with a side salad or vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and stained, and the recipes were handwritten in faded ink. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Hot Chicken Salad Casserole caught my eye.

I had never heard of such a dish before, but the combination of chicken, celery, almonds, and cheese sounded intriguing. I could almost taste the creamy goodness just by reading the ingredients. I knew I had to try it.

I decided to make the casserole for dinner that night. I gathered all the ingredients, including a rotisserie chicken that I had picked up from the grocery store. As I chopped the celery and toasted the almonds, I couldn't help but think about the history behind this recipe.

I remembered my grandmother telling me stories about how she learned to cook. She was a young bride during the Great Depression, and resources were scarce. She had to get creative with her cooking, using whatever ingredients she had on hand. She learned recipes from her mother, her aunts, and even her neighbors. Each recipe had a story behind it, a memory attached to it.

As I mixed the ingredients together and placed the casserole in the oven, I thought about the journey this recipe had taken to reach me. It had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to it. And now it was my turn to carry on the tradition.

When the casserole was finally ready, I took it out of the oven and marveled at the golden-brown crust that had formed on top. The smell that wafted through the kitchen was heavenly. I couldn't wait to dig in.

As I took my first bite, I was transported back in time. The flavors were rich and comforting, a perfect blend of savory and creamy. I could taste the love and care that had gone into making this dish.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. It was a reminder of the strong women who came before me, of their resilience and resourcefulness. It was a taste of history, a connection to my past.

I shared the casserole with my family that night, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My children asked for seconds, and my husband declared it his new favorite dish. I smiled, knowing that I had found a recipe that would bring us all together around the dinner table.

As I cleaned up the kitchen that night, I thought about the power of food to bring people together. It was more than just sustenance; it was a way to create memories, to pass down traditions, to connect with loved ones. And I was grateful to have this recipe in my repertoire, a reminder of where I came from and who I was.

So now, whenever I make Hot Chicken Salad Casserole, I think of my grandmother and all the women who came before her. I think of their strength and their resilience, their creativity and their love. And I am grateful for the gift they have given me – the gift of a delicious meal and a connection to my past.