Zesty Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad Recipe for Family Joy

Paula Deen’s hot chicken salad bursts with Southern charm, transforming mundane meals into culinary celebrations.

Creamy layers mingle with crispy potato chip crumbles, creating a texture symphony that dances across your palate.

Tender chicken and sharp cheddar weave a delectable narrative of comfort and flavor.

Unexpected ingredient marriages turn this dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that defies ordinary expectations.

Simple components elevate themselves into something extraordinary, proving that home cooking can be both sophisticated and soul-satisfying.

Each forkful promises a journey through rich, comforting flavors that whisper tales of traditional Southern kitchens.

Gather your appetite and get ready to experience a recipe that’ll become an instant family favorite!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

• Cooked Chicken: Select tender, freshly cooked chicken with no rubbery texture for maximum flavor.
• Celery: Choose crisp, bright green stalks that snap cleanly when broken for optimal crunch.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Opt for bright, firm lemons that feel heavy for their size to ensure zesty brightness.
• Almonds: Select whole, golden-brown sliced almonds with no discoloration for nutty richness.

• Mayonnaise: Pick full-fat, smooth mayonnaise for rich, silky consistency.
• Shredded Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese for superior melting and intense flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Select high-quality, freshly ground spices for vibrant seasoning.

• Potato Chips: Choose thick-cut, kettle-style chips for robust, golden crispiness.

Tools to Make Hot Chicken Salad

• Oven: Essential for baking the chicken dish to golden perfection.
• 13×9-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size and shape for even cooking and serving.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining and stirring all chicken filling ingredients smoothly.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy dish removal.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately portioning salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
• Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Great for blending ingredients thoroughly and spreading mixture evenly.
• Potato Chip Crusher: Can be a rolling pin or the bottom of a clean glass to create crispy topping.

Instructions for Hot Chicken Salad

• Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and grab a spacious baking dish. Give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep things from sticking.

• Craft the Chicken Blend

In a roomy mixing bowl, toss together shredded chicken with crunchy celery, nutty almonds, a splash of zesty lemon, creamy mayonnaise, and a sprinkle of cheese. Mix everything until it’s beautifully combined, creating a mouthwatering medley of flavors.

• Layer and Top

Spread the chicken mixture across the baking dish in an even blanket. Crush some potato chips into a crispy shower and rain them down over the top, creating a golden, crunchy crown that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven and let it sizzle for about 20 minutes. Watch for the magical moment when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start to bubble with promise.

Pull out this crowd-pleasing dish that marries creamy chicken with an irresistible crunch. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Pro Tips and Add-Ins for Hot Chicken Salad

• Swap out potato chips for different crispy toppings like crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, or cornflakes to add unique textures and flavors.
• Replace full-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency. Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Experiment with herbs and spices like dried thyme, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to elevate the chicken mixture. Add diced green onions or chopped fresh herbs for extra brightness and depth.
• Prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and store for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator, uncover, and bake as directed, potentially adding a few extra minutes to ensure thorough heating.

Serving Paula Deen’s Hot Chicken Salad

• Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Complement the rich, creamy chicken casserole with a crisp mixed salad featuring leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty flavors.
• Serve Alongside Steamed Rice: Create a complete meal by serving the chicken casserole over fluffy white or brown rice, which helps soak up the delicious creamy sauce and adds extra substance.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color, freshness, and a subtle herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
• Add Quick Side Vegetables: Roast some quick seasonal vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment that cuts through the casserole's richness.

Leftover Storage Suggestions for Hot Chicken Salad

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal taste and texture. Refrigerated portions stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freeze with Finesse: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Sealed properly, the dish keeps well for up to 2 months, allowing for convenient future meals.
• Reheat Like a Pro: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent chip topping from burning while restoring crispy texture.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then pop directly into the oven when ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Crispy Paula Deen Hot Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in paula deen’s hot chicken salad, blending crispy textures with creamy elegance. Cheese, almonds, and herbs create a delightful main dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken breast, cooked and cubed
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup (240 ml) celery, diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) potato chips, crushed
• ½ cup (120 ml) almonds, slivered
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice, fresh
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
2. Mixing: In a large bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, celery, almonds, salt, pepper, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and cheese until ingredients are harmoniously combined and evenly distributed.
3. Assembly: Smoothly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Topping: Crumble potato chips into rustic fragments and sprinkle generously over the chicken mixture, crafting a crispy, golden crown that will transform the dish’s texture and taste.
5. Baking: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, monitoring until the surface becomes effervescent and the chip topping achieves a rich, bronzed appearance, signaling the dish is thoroughly heated and ready to serve.

Notes

• Quick Preparation Hack: Shred chicken in advance and refrigerate to save time during recipe assembly.
• Texture-Boosting Tip: Crush potato chips just before sprinkling to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Toast almonds briefly before adding to boost their nutty richness and aromatic profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg