f you’re craving a creamy, savory, and crowd-pleasing hot chicken salad, this recipe is the one you’ll keep coming back to! Packed with tender chicken, crunchy almonds, water chestnuts, cheddar cheese, and topped with golden French fried onions, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinner, potlucks, or even Sunday brunch.

Unlike traditional cold chicken salad, this hot chicken salad recipe is baked to golden perfection — transforming a classic favorite into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s hearty, creamy, and full of flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Hot Chicken Salad

This isn’t your average chicken salad. Once you try this hot chicken salad, you’ll see why it’s been a timeless Southern favorite for generations. It’s rich, easy to prepare, and can be made ahead of time for stress-free dinners or entertaining.

• Easy to make: Just mix, bake, and serve!
• Creamy & cheesy: The perfect blend of chicken, mayo, and cheddar.
• Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep or freezer meals.
• Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for dinner, brunch, showers, or potlucks.
• Family favorite: A comforting casserole that everyone loves.

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Ingredients for the Best Hot Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious hot chicken salad recipe:

• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken – rotisserie chicken works perfectly
• 1 cup sliced almonds – for crunch and texture
• 1 (8-oz) can sliced water chestnuts, drained – adds a light crispness
• 1 (4-oz) jar diced pimentos, drained – for color and mild sweetness
• 2 cups chopped celery – adds freshness and crunch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – brightens the flavor
• 1½ cups mayonnaise – creates a rich, creamy base
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for cheesy goodness
• 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup – binds everything together
• Salt and pepper to taste – adjust as you prefer
• 1 (3-oz) can French fried onions – for the perfect crispy topping

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How to Make Hot Chicken Salad

This hot chicken salad dinner recipe is simple, satisfying, and ready in under an hour.

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix the ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, almonds, water chestnuts, pimentos, celery, lemon juice, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Assemble the casserole
   Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
4. Bake until bubbly
   Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and slightly golden on top.
5. Add the crispy topping
   Remove from the oven, sprinkle the French fried onions over the top, and bake for another 10 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
6. Serve and enjoy!
   Let it cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm and makes an incredibly comforting dinner.

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Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds flavor.
• Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: Prepare and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
• Customize the crunch: Swap French fried onions for crushed potato chips or buttery breadcrumbs.
• Add veggies: Try diced bell peppers or mushrooms for a twist.
• Make it lighter: Use light mayo and reduced-fat cheese without losing flavor.

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What to Serve with Hot Chicken Salad

This hearty hot chicken salad dinner pairs perfectly with simple sides that balance its creamy richness:

• Green salad – a crisp side to lighten the meal
• Buttery rolls or cornbread – great for soaking up sauce
• Steamed vegetables – broccoli or green beans add color and crunch
• Fresh fruit salad – for a sweet, refreshing finish

Whether served for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Storage & Reheating

• To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
• To Freeze: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

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Final Thoughts

This hot chicken salad recipe is everything you want in a comforting dinner — creamy, crunchy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s one of those old-fashioned classics that never goes out of style. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a weeknight or taking it to a gathering, this easy chicken dinner will always be a hit.

Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent place in your recipe rotation. ❤️

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