Creamy Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and downright comforting, then this Creamy Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken with crunchy potato chips and a luscious blend of mayonnaise and cream of chicken soup. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this recipe just makes life easier—and tastier!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together classic comfort food ingredients that marry really well. When shopping, look for good quality cooked chicken and fresh celery for that subtle crunch, and don’t skimp on the potato chips—they’re key!

• Cooked diced chicken: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time and add great flavor.
• Celery: Finely chopped for a fresh, crisp bite that balances the creaminess.
• Grated onion: Adds a subtle sharpness; I like grating instead of chopping so it melts into the mix.
• Mayonnaise: The base of creaminess; full-fat mayo gives the best texture and flavor.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the heart of the ‘cream’ factor—make sure it’s the condensed kind!
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright zing; fresh squeezing works best.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground is my pick for the best punch.
• Slivered almonds: These add a lovely nuttiness and extra crunch inside the casserole.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild based on your taste; it melts beautifully into the mix.
• Water chestnuts: Drained and chopped; give a crisp texture surprise that I adore.
• Salt: Adjust to taste—this really depends on how salty your chicken is, so taste before adding!
• Potato chips (plain or ruffled): The golden crunchy topping that elevates this beyond the ordinary.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe is flexible—you can easily tweak it for what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment and make it your own; I often switch up some ingredients depending on the season or mood.

• Vegetable boost: Sometimes I add chopped broccoli or peas for an extra fresh pop and added nutrients.
• Dairy swap: For a lighter twist, Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayo, but it changes the texture slightly.
• Cheese variations: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different gooey cheese vibe that still melts well.
• Nut alternatives: If you’re not an almond fan, chopped pecans or walnuts add a different but equally lovely crunch.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 11×7-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray so nothing sticks and clean-up is easier. I like using a glass dish because I can see the casserole bubbling and getting golden at the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, grated onion, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, black pepper, slivered almonds, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped water chestnuts. Stir everything together well so the flavors meld. Take a minute to taste the mixture before moving on—then add salt little by little until it hits your favorite flavor balance. I usually add between 1/4 and 1/2 teaspoon, depending on how salty the chicken is.

Step 3: Assemble and Add Potato Chip Crunch

Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Now, here’s an important tip: wait to add the crushed potato chips until right before baking to keep them from turning soggy. Sprinkle about 1 1/2 cups of coarsely crushed plain or ruffled potato chips over the top for that amazing crunch.

Step 4: Bake and Serve Warm

Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 minutes or until bubbling and the potato chips are golden and crispy on top. Serve this dish warm to fully enjoy the creamy, crunchy contrast. My family goes crazy for it fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing the casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a touch of green and a fresh flavor contrast to all that creaminess. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of smoked paprika on top before baking—it’s my secret for a subtle smoky kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans to keep things balanced. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a light tomato cucumber salad also complement it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with crushed potato chips and a sprig of rosemary—such a simple touch that makes it feel elegant. Another time, I layered it over buttery toasted bread for a delicious open-faced hot chicken salad bread casserole that wowed my guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld even more.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times, and it freezes rather well if you don’t add the potato chips before freezing. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh crushed chips on top before baking.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop the casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you’re reheating individual portions, the microwave works fine but won’t retain the chip crunch, so I recommend adding fresh chips and a quick broil if you want to revive that top crunchiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Salad Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so forgiving, flavorful, and downright delicious. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress guests without fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become a comforting favorite for your family too.

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