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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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