Quick Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad Recipe Ideas for Lunch

Paula Deen’s hot chicken salad transforms an ordinary meal into a crave-worthy comfort classic that promises pure satisfaction.

Southern-style cooking often relies on unexpected ingredient combinations that elevate simple dishes to extraordinary experiences.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp potato chip toppings, creating a delightful contrast in every single bite.

Home cooks appreciate recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or complexity.

The magic happens when tender chicken meets sharp cheddar, producing a hearty blend that warms both stomach and soul.

Familiar ingredients dance together, creating something far more exciting than standard meal preparations.

Families will love gathering around this crowd-pleasing dish that feels simultaneously nostalgic and innovative: dig in and savor every delectable moment!

Why Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad is Comfort in a Dish

• Satisfy Crunch Cravings: Potato chips transform this chicken salad into a crispy, irresistible dish that delivers satisfying texture in every single bite.
• Speed Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delightful recipe in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch preparations when time is tight.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Meal: Loaded with tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy almonds, this dish offers a balanced combination of protein and delicious flavors that will keep you feeling full and content.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual entertaining, this hot chicken salad brings a delightful twist to traditional cold salad recipes that will surprise and impress your guests.

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the base of the salad, best when cooked and shredded or diced.

• Celery: Crisp vegetable that adds a fresh crunch and light flavor to the dish.
• Almonds: Nutty ingredient that provides texture and a subtle richness to the salad.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic ingredient that adds zest and helps balance the creamy elements.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
• Cheese: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth, melty texture.

• Potato Chips: Crushed topping that provides a crispy, salty layer to the dish.

How to Make Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Chopped celery
• Sliced almonds
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Shredded cheese

Stir all ingredients until well blended and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

Crush potato chips and sprinkle them generously over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a crispy and flavorful golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that indicates the dish is heated through and the chips are perfectly crisp.

Serve hot and enjoy this delightful comfort food that combines creamy chicken with a satisfying crunch!

Pro Tips for Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

• Select Freshly Poached Chicken: Poach chicken breasts in flavorful broth to infuse extra moisture and taste into the meat before chopping.
• Grate Cheese Yourself: Hand-grate sharp cheddar cheese for superior melting quality and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded options.
• Control Chip Crunch: Break potato chips manually into uniform small pieces to create an ideal crispy, even-textured topping that covers the entire dish.
• Squeeze Fresh Citrus: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice right before mixing to maintain bright, zesty notes that cut through creamy ingredients.
• Watch Baking Timing: Monitor casserole closely during final minutes to achieve perfect golden-brown bubbling without burning the top layer.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

• Airtight Container Strategy: Lock in freshness by sealing the chicken salad in a glass or hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Squeeze out excess air to prevent moisture and maintain optimal taste quality, keeping ingredients crisp and flavorful.
• Freezer Preservation Method: Pack the cooled salad into freezer-safe containers with minimal headspace, preventing freezer burn. Divide into single-serving portions for convenient future meal planning, allowing quick defrosting without compromising texture or flavor.
• Temperature Control Technique: Always cool the salad completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacterial growth. Monitor internal temperature, ensuring it drops below 40°F within two hours of cooking for maximum food safety and extended shelf life.

Creative Twists on Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace almonds with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty Tex-Mex inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano and thyme before baking.
• Curry Coconut Crunch: Mix in mild curry powder, use shredded coconut instead of almonds, replace potato chips with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and add golden raisins for a sweet-savory profile.
• Buffalo Blue Cheese Blast: Drizzle hot sauce into the chicken mixture, fold in crumbled blue cheese, and top with crushed blue cheese-flavored crackers for a fiery kick.

Final Thoughts on Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

Paula Deen’s hot chicken salad delivers Southern comfort with a crispy, creamy twist.

Succulent chicken mingles with crunchy almonds and tangy cheese, creating irresistible flavor layers.

Potato chip topping adds unexpected texture that elevates this classic dish.

Midwest potluck memories dance through each delightful bite of this nostalgic recipe.

Home cooks searching for simple yet impressive meals will adore this crowd-pleasing classic.

Hungry souls craving warmth and satisfaction: click that share button, spread culinary love with comments, and let this recipe spark kitchen creativity!

Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets zesty crunch in Paula Deen’s hot chicken salad. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and toasted almonds create a delightful melody of textures that dance on your palate, promising a memorable dining experience you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked cubed chicken breast

Dairy and Flavorings:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Vegetables, Nuts, and Crunchy Elements:

• 1 cup diced celery
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• 1 cup crushed potato chips
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare your oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, meticulously combine shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, sliced almonds, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, tangy lemon juice, creamy mayonnaise, and grated cheese, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Carefully transfer the mixed chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread the mixture uniformly across the surface, creating an smooth, even layer.
4. Crush potato chips into fine, irregular pieces and generously scatter them over the chicken mixture, creating a crisp, golden topping that will provide a delightful crunch when baked.
5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a golden-brown color on the chip topping, indicating the dish is perfectly heated through.

Notes

• Cook chicken just before mixing to maximize moisture and flavor infusion throughout the casserole.
• Select premium sharp cheddar for robust taste that elevates the entire dish’s profile.
• Break potato chips into uniform small pieces to guarantee consistent crunch in every single bite.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice moments before combining ingredients to brighten the creamy sauce.
• Watch casserole carefully during final baking stage to achieve perfect golden-brown bubbly surface without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg