Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

What’s in Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole?

This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a savory, creamy, and crunchy comfort food that has everything you need for a fulfilling meal. With tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a warm cheesy topping, this casserole is perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to potlucks.

Let’s break down this hearty dish and see what makes it so delightful!

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of this casserole! We recommend using leftover rotisserie chicken for the best flavor, but any cooked chicken will work. It adds rich, lean protein to the dish.
• 1 cup celery, diced: This ingredient adds a refreshing crunch and balances out the creamy sauce with its freshness.
• 1 cup carrots, diced: Not only do these carrots bring a burst of color to your casserole, but they also bring a slight sweetness and valuable vitamins, making the dish even more nutritious.
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned): The sweet, juicy kernels bring a lovely texture and brightness to the dish.
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced: The mild flavor and crisp texture of the bell peppers enhance the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of freshness.
• 1 cup mayonnaise: This creamy base helps bind the ingredients together and provides a smooth consistency, making the casserole luscious.
• 1 cup sour cream: The tangy sour cream complements the mayo, adding a bit of extra creaminess and helping balance the flavors.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: A subtle aromatic addition, garlic powder infuses the dish with savory depth.
• 1 tsp onion powder: This spice rounds out the flavor, contributing a mild yet savory kick that elevates the casserole.
• 1 tsp paprika: The paprika adds a lovely warmth and color to the dish, giving it a slight smokiness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This cheese is the magic ingredient, melting to create a golden, gooey layer that ties everything together.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping): A crispy, crunchy topping is what makes this casserole truly irresistible. You can use panko for extra crunch!
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping): This adds moisture to the topping, ensuring it bakes to a golden brown, creating the perfect crispy crust.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a refreshing hint of flavor to top off your dish.

Is Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Good for You?

This casserole is packed with lean protein from the chicken and loads of nutrients from the veggies. It’s a great way to get your greens and vitamins, and with a creamy sauce, it satisfies your craving for something comforting.

However, like many casseroles, it’s not low-calorie. The mayonnaise and sour cream provide richness but can be high in fat. To make a lighter version, you can substitute these with low-fat options. The crispy topping adds a bit more indulgence, so if you’re keeping an eye on your calorie intake, you can reduce or omit the topping.

Ingredients List

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole?

Ready to make this cozy, delicious dish? Here’s how you can easily prepare it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, carrots, corn, and green bell pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and veggie mix and stir until everything is well-coated.
5. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole for that crunchy, golden topping.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden and crispy.
9. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for an extra burst of color and freshness.

Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions

This casserole is incredibly flexible and can be easily customized. You can spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or try different veggies like zucchini or broccoli. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a bit of cooked bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve it with a side salad or some warm, crusty bread to complement the rich flavors. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great dish to enjoy throughout the week.

This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s comforting, filling, and full of flavor—just the kind of dish that brings people together. Get cooking and enjoy!