Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, then this Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is officially your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how this casserole balances creamy, savory chicken with a delightful crunch from potato chips on top – it’s like all the comfort food vibes rolled into one perfect bake. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite that my crew can’t get enough of.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a comforting classic. Each component brings texture and flavor – and I always recommend using good-quality cooked chicken for the best results.

• Cooked diced chicken: I like using leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease and deep flavor.
• Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and freshness to complement the creamy base.
• Grated onion: For a hint of sharpness — I recommend fresh for the best aroma.
• Mayonnaise: This keeps the casserole moist and adds richness.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: The secret behind that smooth, velvety texture.
• Lemon juice: Just a touch brightens the flavors and prevents heaviness.
• Black pepper: For a mild kick and depth.
• Slivered almonds: Adds a lovely nutty crunch mixed inside the casserole.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheesy goodness that melts beautifully.
• Water chestnuts (drained and chopped): Don’t skip these for that classic crisp bite that surprises every time.
• Salt: Added to taste – I always start conservatively since soup and chicken can be salty.
• Coarsely crushed plain or ruffled potato chips: This top layer is what makes the casserole uniquely addictive and crunchy.

Variations

What I love about this Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Here are a few ways I’ve personalized it over time to suit different tastes and occasions.

• Swap the almonds for pecans or walnuts: For a different nutty flavor, I’ve swapped in chopped pecans and loved the warmth they bring.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo: If you’re aiming for a lighter take, Greek yogurt works well to keep that creamy texture with fewer calories.
• Add a handful of cooked broccoli florets: This is my go-to way to sneak extra veggies, and it adds a nice color contrast too.
• Spice it up: Sometimes I sprinkle in a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that wakes up the dish.

How to Make Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish. I always lightly oil with butter or a neutral oil so the dish doesn’t stick, but a quick cooking spray works just fine too. This step ensures a smooth release when serving.

Step 2: Mix All the Goodies

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked diced chicken, finely chopped celery, grated onion, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, black pepper, slivered almonds, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped water chestnuts. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is evenly coated and creamy. I like to taste it here before adding salt because sometimes the chicken or soup add enough seasoning.

Step 3: Salt to Taste and Transfer

Now’s the moment to add salt slowly—start with about 1/4 teaspoon and adjust from there. I’ve found that too much salt can overpower, so a gentle hand pays off. Once seasoned perfectly, spread the mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish.

Step 4: Top with Crushed Potato Chips

Here’s my favorite part: sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of coarsely crushed potato chips all over the top. The chips give you that fantastic salty crunch that makes this casserole stand out. Pro tip: Add the chips just before baking to keep them crispy.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake it uncovered for about 25 minutes. You’ll want to see the edges bubbling gently and the top golden and crisp. Serve warm, and watch everyone dive in — my family goes crazy for it every time!

How to Serve Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra cheddar or some chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving – it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note. Sometimes I toss on a few sliced green onions for mild sharpness that balances the creamy richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted veggies, like asparagus or green beans, also complement it beautifully. On a casual night, my family loves it with classic buttery dinner rolls or warm biscuits.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I like scooping the casserole into individual ramekins and topping each one with a few extra crushed chips for an elegant yet homey touch. Another fun way is layering it in a clear baking dish to show off the cheesy, crunchy layers — it always gets compliments and curiosity from guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, if you have any leftovers (which is rare!), I usually cover the casserole dish with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making for even tastier seconds.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before to good effect – just assemble it fully (except the potato chips on top) and cover it tightly with foil or freezer-safe wrap. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the crushed chips, and bake as usual. This makes it a perfect meal prep option!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it up in a 325°F oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and prevents the topping from burning. If you like the chip crust extra crispy, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s so much more than just a casserole — it’s a soul-soothing dish that brings everyone together around the table. I’m excited for you to try it because it’s truly one of those comforting meals that feels like home with every bite. So gather your ingredients, give it a go, and get ready to enjoy what might just become your next favorite family classic.

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