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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure effortless release.
- 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.
- Assembly: Smoothly spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
- 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.
- 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