Is chicken salad better hot or cold?

We love chicken salad in any form. Traditional chicken salad is a great option for spring or summer days, while this hot version can be just the ticket in the cooler months.

Is it OK to heat chicken salad?

While recipes will vary, this chicken salad recipe is formulated to be baked before serving.

What cut of chicken is best for salads?

Whether you use leftover cooked chicken breasts or a shredded rotisserie chicken, we believe that the one thing you shouldn't put in your chicken salad is dark meat.

Hot Chicken Salad Recipe

Name: Hot Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 4 cups chopped cooked chicken; 4 1/2 ounces sliced mushrooms, drained; 2 cups sliced celery; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1/4 cup chopped pimiento, drained; 8 ounces sliced water chestnuts, drained; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 cup + 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup potato chips, crushed; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

12

Hot, hot, hot! Southern-favorite chicken salad gets a baked twist in this delicious hot chicken salad recipe. Our hot chicken salad takes the classic combination of chicken, mayo, and celery and adds a tasty explosion of flavors. Pour in measures of pimientos, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and potato chips; combine it all; and send into a preheated oven. There it will begin to bubble as it combines into a savory dip-style casserole.

This recipe also brings to the table the classic chicken salad creaminess we've come to know and love—thanks to the Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream, plus a good pour of fresh lemon juice for a tart touch. Add this one to your recipe box, stat.

Learn how to make hot chicken salad, and find a new weeknight favorite the whole family will love.

Hot Chicken Salad - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients for Hot Chicken Salad

The ingredients for a classic chicken salad are all present here, with a few flavorful additions for a baked version you'll want to add to your rotation. To make this chicken salad, you'll need:

Slivered almonds: Adds a toasty crunch to this creamy chicken salad.
Cooked chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken, or opt for shredded rotisserie chicken. You can also sub in leftover cooked turkey.
Sliced mushrooms, celery, and onion: Add bulk, flavor, and texture to this salad.
Pimiento: Adds a sweet pepper flavor and pop of color.
Water chestnuts: A secret ingredient in casseroles, water chestnuts add crunch without affecting the flavor of the chicken salad.
Salt and pepper: Seasons the mixture.
Shredded Cheddar cheese: Adds a classic cheesy flavor and texture.
Mayonnaise: Binds the mixture and adds creaminess.
Lemon juice: Acidity balances and wakes up the flavors of this chicken salad.
Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess.
Potato chips: Crushed for a crisp, salty topping. Can substitute with crushed buttery crackers or crispy fried onions if preferred.
Parmesan cheese: Adds another cheesy layer of umami flavor.

How To Make Hot Chicken Salad

With only 10 minutes of active time, this dish gets mixed together quickly for a hearty, filling dish that can be served for lunch or dinner. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Toast almonds in a shallow pan at 350°F.
Step 2. Stir together almonds, chicken, onion, celery, pimiento, water chestnuts, mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
Step 3. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup Cheddar, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice; stir into chicken mixture.
Step 4. Spread into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese, potato chip crumbs, and Parmesan. Bake for about 30 minutes.

What To Serve With Hot Chicken Salad

This dish is always a crowd-pleaser, whether served for lunch or dinner. Bring to your next potluck, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.

For a hearty lunch, pair with rolls or biscuits for scooping up every bite and a side salad for a fresh touch. You can also scoop into pitas or onto sandwiches for a grab-and-go version. Pair with roasted potatoes or rice for dinner, along with any of your favorite veggie sides.

Can I Make Hot Chicken Salad Ahead?

This chicken salad can be assembled up to two days in advance for a make-ahead meal you'll be proud to serve. Wrap and refrigerate the assembled dish, then bring to room temperature before baking as directed.

How To Store Leftover Hot Chicken Salad

Refrigerate leftover hot chicken salad for up to three days. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 325°F oven until hot throughout or in the microwave before serving. Freezing is not recommended as thawing will cause a change in texture.

More Chicken Salad Recipes You'll Love

If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, these chicken salad recipes are the perfect way to repurpose it:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

1/2 cup slivered almonds
4 cups chopped cooked chicken
4 1/2 oz. sliced mushrooms, drained
2 cups sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped pimiento, drained
8 oz. sliced water chestnuts, drained
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup mayonnaise
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup potato chips, crushed
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Toast almonds:

Bake slivered almonds in a shallow pan at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes or until toasted.
Combine casserole ingredients:

Stir together almonds, chicken, onion, celery, pimiento, water chestnuts, mushrooms, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Make cheese mixture:

In a small bowl, Stir together 1 cup Cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until blended; add into chicken mixture to combine.
Add casserole to baking dish:

Spread into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese, potato chip crumbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Bake casserole:

Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken salad better hot or cold?

We love chicken salad in any form. Traditional chicken salad is a great option for spring or summer days, while this hot version can be just the ticket in the cooler months.
Is it OK to heat chicken salad?

While recipes will vary, this chicken salad recipe is formulated to be baked before serving.
What cut of chicken is best for salads?

Whether you use leftover cooked chicken breasts or a shredded rotisserie chicken, we believe that the one thing you shouldn't put in your chicken salad is dark meat.