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
Scale
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.
