on Aug 02, 2011, Updated Mar 29, 2024 28 Comments Chicken salad is always a favorite and this easy hot chicken salad is a family favorite recipe for sure. Creamy chicken with crunchy bits of celery and a delicious buttery cracker topping, it’s hard to believe it’s ready so quickly. But it disappears just about as fast, if not faster!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy recipe. This recipe comes together quickly and bakes in the oven until golden and bubbly. Comforting chicken salad recipe. Chicken salad is always delicious, but this hot chicken salad is warm and comforting. Great anytime! Make ahead and freezer-friendly. Great for meal prep to serve during a busy week or to take friends and family for a meal.
How to Make Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients for Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Chicken – This recipe uses cooked chicken. I love to use my shredded chicken recipe or even leftover baked chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken, homemade or store-bought. Celery – Diced celery adds crunch to this hot chicken salad recipe. Salt – I use kosher salt. I use Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt. If you substitute with Morton’s Kosher salt, fine sea salt, or table salt, you will only need half the amount of the salt called for in the recipe. Pepper – Black pepper adds flavor to this recipe. Lemon juice – Brightens this chicken salad. Sour cream – Makes the chicken salad creamy and delicious. You can also substitute with partial or all Greek yogurt if you like. Mayonnaise – Like the sour cream, the mayonnaise adds to the creaminess of the hot chicken salad. Cheddar cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese is delicious in this recipe. Ritz crackers – Crushed buttery crackers are added to the top of this hot chicken salad and then baked for a delicious topping! Butter – added to the top of the Ritz cracker topping for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mix the ingredients. Add all ingredients except the crackers and butter to a large mixing bowl. Pour into baking dish. Spread the mixture into a baking dish. Add topping and butter. Distribute the cracker crumbs and butter on top of the casserole. Bake. Bake in a 350º F oven until golden brown and heated throughout about 20 minutes. Serve.
Storage Tips
Make ahead. Cool and wrap tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat and serve. Freeze. Prepare and spread it into a freezer-safe baking dish. Wrap tightly with freezer-safe wrap and store in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the cracker crumbs and butter before baking.
More Chicken Salad Recipes
Chicken Salad with Grapes Avocado Chicken Salad Fiesta Chicken Salad Rosemary Chicken Salad Classic Chicken Salad
Here’s my Hot Chicken Salad recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do. Enjoy!Robyn xo
