Description
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender cooked chicken mixed with crunchy celery and red onion, creamy mayonnaise and sour cream, melty cheddar, and a spicy kick from hot sauce. Topped with a buttery crushed cornflake crust, it bakes to bubbling golden perfection, making for an irresistible family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, minced
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, carefully combine the cooked chicken cubes, finely chopped celery, minced red onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the chicken apart.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish, making sure it is level for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, toss the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter until they are thoroughly coated, which will give a crispy, golden crust.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the chicken mixture. Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the casserole hold its shape and cool slightly for safe eating.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken leftover from a roast or rotisserie for convenience and flavor.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level.
- For extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts to the topping mixture.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
