Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic chicken salad, combining tender chicken, crispy toppings, and flavorful dressing in a comforting casserole dish. Here’s a recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine or spinach), chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crumbled bacon
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined and the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mixed salad greens evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes on top of the salad greens.
- Spread the prepared chicken mixture over the tomatoes in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Scatter the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer.
- Top the casserole with the crispy fried onions, spreading them out evenly.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the foil from the baking dish and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the crispy hot chicken salad casserole warm, with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on the side, if desired.
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or potluck gathering. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken, crispy toppings, and zesty dressing in every bite!