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
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: 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.
