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Classic Creamy Hot Chicken Salad Casserole with Buttery Cracker Topping

A square serving of creamy hot chicken salad topped with a thick layer of crunchy, golden cornflakes.
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This is the ultimate Southern comfort food bake: a warm, creamy chicken salad casserole topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. It is simple to prepare and always a family favorite for dinner or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 sleeve (about 13 saltine crackers), crushed
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, green onion, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients until they are fully incorporated and creamy.
  3. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the cheese layer.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot throughout and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before you serve it warm.

Notes

  • For a different crunch, substitute the saltine crackers with crushed potato chips or cornflakes mixed with the melted butter.
  • If you do not have cooked chicken, you can poach and shred about 1 pound of raw chicken breasts before starting the recipe.
  • You can prepare the entire casserole, without the topping, a day ahead. Cover it and keep it refrigerated. Add the topping just before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://epicureempire.com/hot-chicken-salad-recipe-casserole/