If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and wonderfully crunchy textures, then you’re going to love this Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe. It’s a family favorite that brings together tender chicken, a tangy spicy kick, and a golden crispy topping that’s simply irresistible. This casserole combines comforting flavors and textures in a way that makes each bite a delightful experience, ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what makes this dish shine. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s adding creaminess, heat, freshness, or that satisfying crunch on top.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole filling and delicious.
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped: Adds a welcome crunch and fresh flavor contrast.
- 1 small red onion, minced: Provides a mild sharpness that brightens the mix.
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and richness to the salad.
- ½ cup sour cream: Offers tang that balances the heat and richness perfectly.
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into the casserole for gooey, savory goodness.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce: The star of the heat, giving this dish its signature spicy punch.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects brightness and keeps the flavors lively.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth.
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes: Creates the irresistible crispy topping everyone will love.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps the cornflake topping brown to a perfect golden crisp.
How to Make Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly and the topping crisps up beautifully without burning.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Salad
In a large bowl, gently combine cubed chicken, finely chopped celery, minced red onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mixing carefully is key here—you want everything coated and united, but still maintain some texture in your ingredients for that exciting bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking. This simple step saves you from any mess and helps you serve the casserole easily later.
Step 4: Layer the Chicken Mixture
Spread the combined chicken salad mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Even layering makes sure the dish cooks uniformly and every scoop has the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter until the cornflakes are fully coated. This step is crucial for that golden, crispy finish on top that so many folks rave about.
Step 6: Bake
Sprinkle the buttered cornflake topping over the chicken mixture. Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts bubbling and the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps set the layers so it slices beautifully, and gives you a moment to breathe before enjoying this comfort food delight.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and lightness to the rich casserole. If you want an extra hint of heat, drizzle a little more hot sauce on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add freshness. Creamy mashed potatoes or warm buttery rolls also complement the spicy, cheesy elements beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a tiny wedge of lemon or a fresh herb sprig. You can also turn it into handheld sliders by spooning the casserole onto soft buns for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the casserole cools completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for quick reheats during busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat portions in a microwave or oven. If using an oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent the topping from burning, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic here, you can experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little extra zip or even mozzarella for a milder, gooey texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?
Definitely! Simply cut back on the hot sauce or use a milder variety. You’ll still get great flavor without the intense heat.
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the crushed cornflakes with a gluten-free crunchy topping like gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute—it adds creaminess with a bit of tang and is a bit lighter too.
How long does the casserole take to bake?
The baking time is between 30 to 35 minutes at 350°F, just until it’s bubbling and the topping turns perfectly golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is one of those special dishes that effortlessly combines heat, creaminess, and crunch into one comforting meal. It has all the hallmarks of a beloved classic but with a lively twist that keeps everyone coming back for more. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to crowd-pleaser!
Print
Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole combines tender cooked chicken with a creamy, tangy dressing and a spicy kick from hot sauce. Topped with a buttery cornflake crust, this dish bakes to golden perfection, delivering a warm, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
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: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, mayonnaise, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, hot sauce, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and blended.
- Prepare Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter until the cornflakes are fully coated with butter.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dish is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps the flavors meld and improves texture.
