If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that balances creamy goodness with a satisfyingly crunchy topping, this Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with tender shredded chicken, vibrant mixed vegetables, and a rich blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, every bite offers layered flavors and textures. The crowning glory is the golden, crispy fried onion topping that adds just the right amount of crunch and a hint of buttery delight. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck favorite, this casserole makes every mealtime feel like a warm celebration you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity. Every ingredient is thoughtfully included to build flavor, texture, and that perfect creamy-to-crispy balance that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The hearty protein base brings savory depth and satisfying substance.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Adds a creamy, tangy richness that binds everything together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Balances the mayo with a subtle tang and extra creaminess.
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed: Offers pops of color and fresh vegetable flavor without any fuss.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into melty, cheesy pockets that enrich every forkful.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Provides a mild crunch and a hint of brightness.
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Brings savory sweetness that enhances the casserole’s overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, aromatic warmth that ties the seasoning together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to make the flavors pop.
- 1 1/2 cups crushed crispy fried onions (like French’s): The star topping that delivers irresistible texture and buttery flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Helps crisp and brown the onion topping beautifully.
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) and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly, setting the stage for a flawless finish.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, thawed mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery and onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be sure to mix everything well so each bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors.
Step 3: Transfer to the Casserole Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Getting an even layer helps the casserole cook uniformly and ensures that every slice has the perfect ratio of ingredients.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crispy fried onions with the melted butter. This combination is the secret behind that golden brown, crunchy crust that adds so much excitement to the dish.
Step 5: Add the Topping & Bake
Sprinkle the onion mixture evenly over the top of your casserole, then pop it into the oven. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is gloriously golden and the casserole is heated through.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow your Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe to cool slightly. This resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve neat portions without losing any of that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness to the warm casserole. A light sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese on top just before serving can also be a delightful touch if you’re craving a cheesier experience.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or tangy coleslaw. For more comfort food vibes, serve with warm dinner rolls or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve portions in individual ramekins topped with an extra sprinkle of crispy onions. Alternatively, turn it into a potluck showstopper by placing the casserole in a bread bowl or hollowed-out pumpkin for an autumn-themed presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious casserole, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
The Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crisp. Microwaving is quicker but may soften the crunchy topping—if choosing microwave, consider adding fresh crispy onions afterwards for that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans work wonderfully. Just steam or lightly cook them beforehand to ensure they’re tender and blend well with the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Add the crispy onion topping right before baking to maintain its crunchiness.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Definitely—adding a dash of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling gives this dish a delightful kick without overpowering the creamy flavors.
What can I substitute for the mayonnaise?
If you prefer, Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and a little extra sour cream can add creaminess with a tangy twist while reducing calories.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving shortcut that adds delicious roasted flavor to your casserole. Just shred it well and go!
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly delicious about the Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe. It checks all the boxes for easy prep, rich flavors, and that addictive crunchy topping that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or surprising guests with a cozy meal, this casserole is destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
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 combining shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, thawed mixed vegetables, and sharp cheddar cheese. Topped with a crunchy layer of buttered crispy fried onions, it bakes to a golden brown perfection, offering a delightful texture contrast and a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
- Mix Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, thawed mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped celery, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the prepared mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crispy fried onions with the melted butter to coat them evenly, which will give the topping a rich flavor and crispy texture when baked.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the buttered onion mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let flavors set and to avoid burns from hot filling.
Notes
- Make sure the frozen mixed vegetables are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture to prevent a watery casserole.
- You can substitute mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free crispy fried onions or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover roast chicken shredded finely for best texture.
- If you prefer spicier casserole, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mixture.
