When comfort food calls, nothing answers quite like a steaming hot chicken salad casserole fresh from the oven. This beloved Southern classic has been gracing dinner tables and potluck spreads for generations, and for good reason. Combining tender chicken with a creamy, savory filling and topped with a golden, buttery cracker crust, this dish delivers everything you could want in a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution, planning ahead for a busy week, or need a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, hot chicken salad casserole checks all the boxes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy interior features succulent chunks of chicken enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. This luxurious base is studded with crisp celery for a refreshing crunch and sliced almonds that add a subtle nutty flavor and delightful texture. The whole creation is then crowned with a generous layer of crushed butter crackers mixed with melted butter, which bakes into an irresistibly crispy, golden-brown topping that provides the perfect contrast to the soft, creamy filling beneath.

The beauty of hot chicken salad casserole extends beyond its delicious taste. This is genuinely one of the most practical recipes you can have in your cooking repertoire. It’s incredibly forgiving for home cooks of all skill levels, uses mostly pantry staples and ingredients you likely already have on hand, and comes together in under an hour from start to finish. Even better, you can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. This make-ahead friendly quality makes it absolutely perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

Hot chicken salad casserole also shines as a versatile dish that adapts beautifully to different occasions. Serve it for a cozy family dinner alongside a simple green salad and some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Bring it to a church potluck or neighborhood gathering where it’s guaranteed to disappear quickly and earn you compliments. Make it for Sunday meal prep and enjoy satisfying lunches throughout the week. The leftovers actually taste even better the next day as all the flavors have more time to meld together, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven without drying out or losing its appealing texture.

This recipe traces its roots back to classic Southern cooking traditions where resourceful home cooks transformed simple ingredients into something truly memorable. The concept of hot chicken salad emerged as a clever way to use leftover cooked chicken, turning it into an entirely new dish that felt special enough for company yet easy enough for everyday meals. Over the decades, countless families have developed their own variations, but the core elements remain constant: tender chicken, creamy binding sauce, crunchy additions for texture, and that signature crispy topping that everyone fights over.

One of the greatest advantages of making hot chicken salad casserole at home is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Want to add more vegetables? Fold in some diced bell peppers, water chestnuts, or frozen peas. Prefer a different protein? Turkey works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken. Looking to reduce calories slightly? Use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat soup without sacrificing much flavor. Need to feed a larger crowd? This recipe doubles beautifully and bakes in a larger dish with just a few extra minutes of cooking time.

The ingredient list for hot chicken salad casserole is refreshingly straightforward, featuring items that most home cooks keep stocked in their kitchens. You’ll need cooked chicken as your protein base, which offers excellent flexibility since you can use rotisserie chicken from the store for ultimate convenience, leftover roasted or grilled chicken to avoid waste, or poach fresh chicken breasts specifically for this recipe if you prefer. The creamy sauce component combines mayonnaise for richness, sour cream for tanginess, and cream of chicken soup for depth of flavor and body. These three ingredients work together to create that signature luxurious texture that makes this casserole so irresistible.

For texture and flavor contrast, the recipe incorporates diced celery which provides essential crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness, and sliced almonds which contribute a subtle nuttiness and pleasant textural variation. Shredded cheddar cheese melts throughout the filling, adding savory depth and helping bind everything together while creating those delightful cheese pulls when you serve it. The crowning glory is the topping made from crushed butter crackers tossed with melted butter, which bakes into that golden, crispy layer everyone loves.

The preparation process for hot chicken salad casserole couldn’t be simpler, making it accessible even for novice cooks. You’ll start by combining all your filling ingredients in a large mixing bowl, stirring everything together until well incorporated. This forgiving mixture doesn’t require any special techniques or careful folding—just mix everything thoroughly and you’re good to go. Transfer the chicken mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Then prepare your topping by crushing butter crackers into coarse crumbs and mixing them with melted butter before sprinkling this mixture generously over the top of the casserole.

Baking transforms these simple components into something magical. As the casserole heats in the oven, the cheese melts and mingles with the creamy sauce, creating a luscious filling that bubbles gently around the edges. The cracker topping gradually turns golden brown, developing a satisfying crunch that provides textural contrast against the soft interior. Your kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma that has everyone asking when dinner will be ready. The visual appeal of the finished casserole is equally impressive, with that golden-brown cracker crust looking absolutely gorgeous and promising the delicious meal to come.

When it comes to serving hot chicken salad casserole, simplicity is key. This dish is substantial enough to serve as the main course without much additional accompaniment. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole. Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots make excellent vegetable sides that add color and nutrition to your plate. Some crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any of that delicious creamy sauce. For a complete comfort food experience, consider adding a fruit salad or coleslaw for brightness and crunch.

Storage and reheating are where hot chicken salad casserole really proves its worth as a practical recipe. Leftover portions keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for quick lunches, or reheat larger amounts in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through. The casserole also freezes surprisingly well, making it an excellent candidate for freezer meal planning. Prepare two casseroles when you’re already in cooking mode, bake one for dinner, and freeze the second one unbaked for a future meal that requires zero effort beyond thawing and baking.

The nutritional profile of hot chicken salad casserole offers a good balance of macronutrients that contribute to a satisfying meal. The chicken provides high-quality protein essential for muscle maintenance and overall health. The dairy components contribute calcium for strong bones. While this is admittedly a rich, indulgent dish thanks to the mayonnaise, sour cream, and butter, it delivers that comfort food satisfaction that sometimes you just need. The celery and almonds add some fiber and nutrients, and remember that when paired with vegetable sides and a salad, you’re creating a reasonably balanced plate.

Hot chicken salad casserole represents everything that’s wonderful about home cooking. It transforms humble ingredients into something special that brings people together around the dinner table. It proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create food that tastes amazing and makes people happy. This is the kind of recipe that becomes part of your regular rotation because it’s reliable, delicious, and always well-received. It’s comfort food at its finest, offering warmth and satisfaction in every creamy, crunchy bite.

Whether you’re new to casseroles or have been making them for years, hot chicken salad deserves a place in your recipe collection. It’s that rare dish that manages to be both special enough for guests and easy enough for busy weeknights. The combination of creamy chicken filling and crispy cracker topping creates a textural experience that’s endlessly appealing, while the savory flavors satisfy without overwhelming. Make this casserole once, and you’ll understand why it’s been a beloved favorite for generations. From the first forkful to the last, hot chicken salad casserole delivers pure comfort food bliss that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups butter crackers, crushed (such as Ritz)
1/4 cup butter, melted

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole

Creamy chicken casserole with crunchy cracker topping, perfect for easy dinners and potluck gatherings.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Casserole Filling

3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
1 cup celery diced
0.5 cup sliced almonds
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp garlic powder

Cracker Topping

2 cups butter crackers crushed
0.25 cup butter melted

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Spatula
Medium bowl for topping

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated and the chicken is evenly coated.
Add the diced celery, sliced almonds, and shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture, folding everything together until the ingredients are distributed throughout.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then stir again to ensure the seasonings are evenly dispersed.
Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer that will bake consistently.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter, tossing with a fork until all the cracker crumbs are coated with butter.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a complete covering that will become the golden, crispy topping.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping has turned golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Serve hot directly from the baking dish, scooping generous portions onto plates and enjoying this comforting, creamy casserole while it’s fresh from the oven.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if starting from cold. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days refrigerated and reheat beautifully. For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and reduced-fat soup.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup, stirring until all ingredients are well incorporated and the chicken is evenly coated.
Add the diced celery, sliced almonds, and shredded cheddar cheese to the chicken mixture, folding everything together until the ingredients are distributed throughout.
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then stir again to ensure the seasonings are evenly dispersed.
Transfer the chicken mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform layer that will bake consistently.
In a separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter, tossing with a fork until all the cracker crumbs are coated with butter.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a complete covering that will become the golden, crispy topping.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping has turned golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Serve hot directly from the baking dish, scooping generous portions onto plates and enjoying this comforting, creamy casserole while it’s fresh from the oven.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Comfort Casserole

Hot chicken salad casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a solution to so many dinnertime dilemmas. When you need something satisfying that comes together quickly, this casserole delivers. When you’re feeding a crowd and need a dish that everyone will enjoy, this is your answer. When you want the comfort of homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen, hot chicken salad casserole has you covered. The creamy filling, crunchy topping, and savory flavors combine to create a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts. Make it once and it will become a regular request from your family, a go-to recipe for gatherings, and one of those reliable dishes you can always count on to turn out perfectly. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying comfort food casseroles you’ll ever make.

Hot Chicken Salad Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe