This hot chicken salad is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the comforting flavors of chicken, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise with a crunchy topping of potato chips. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up some celery if you don't usually keep it on hand. Additionally, make sure you have enough mayonnaise and cheddar cheese to create the creamy, cheesy base of the salad.

Ingredients For Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken: Cooked and chopped, this forms the protein base of the salad.
Celery: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish.
Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and binds the ingredients together.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded, it adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
Potato chips: Crushed, they create a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy salad.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing this hot chicken salad, ensure that the chicken is finely chopped to create a uniform texture throughout the dish. This allows the mayonnaise to coat each piece evenly, enhancing the overall flavor. Additionally, consider using a mix of cheddar cheese varieties, such as sharp and mild, to add depth to the dish. For an extra crunch, lightly toast the potato chips before crushing them; this will help them stay crispier after baking.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked chicken - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken, making it a suitable replacement.
cooked chicken - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can mimic the texture of chicken when properly seasoned and cooked.
celery - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers provide a similar crunch and add a sweet flavor to the salad.
celery - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber offers a refreshing crunch and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that provides creaminess and a slight tang.
mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream offers a similar texture and tangy flavor, making it a good substitute.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts well and has a mild flavor that works well in salads.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack has a similar texture and a slightly milder flavor than cheddar.
potato chips - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes provide a similar crunchy texture and can be a healthier option.
potato chips - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs offer a light, crispy texture that can mimic the crunch of potato chips.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the hot chicken salad to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
- Transfer the hot chicken salad to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, use a container that fits the salad snugly to minimize air exposure.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the hot chicken salad within 3-4 days. This ensures the chicken and mayonnaise remain safe to eat.
- If you wish to freeze the hot chicken salad, wrap the container in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer helps prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the hot chicken salad has been stored.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the hot chicken salad in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and transfer the hot chicken salad to a baking dish. Top with additional crushed potato chips if desired for extra crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the hot chicken salad is heated through and bubbly. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover hot chicken salad in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the potato chips from burning.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer a portion of the hot chicken salad to a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check the temperature and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.
Stovetop Method:
- Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the leftover hot chicken salad to the skillet.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even heating.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed and the cheese is melted.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover hot chicken salad in an air fryer-safe dish.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the potato chips topping doesn't burn.
- Continue heating until the chicken is hot and the cheese is bubbly.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the hot chicken salad at 350°F (175°C) until it is heated through and bubbly.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and cheese together.
Baking dish: Used to transfer the mixed ingredients and to bake the dish in the oven.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the ingredients such as chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and cheese.
Knife: Used to chop the cooked chicken and celery into small pieces.
Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the chicken and celery.
Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Spoon: Used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl and to transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
Potato masher: Used to crush the potato chips before topping the mixture in the baking dish.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store instead of cooking your own.
Pre-chop ingredients: Chop the celery and other ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge.
Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to cut down on prep time.
Crush chips in bag: Crush the potato chips directly in the bag to avoid extra dishes.
Mix in baking dish: Combine all ingredients directly in the baking dish to save on cleanup.

Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken, chopped
- 1 cup Celery, chopped
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Potato Chips, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, celery, mayonnaise, and cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with crushed potato chips.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Egg Roll Bowl Recipe25 Minutes
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe30 Minutes
- Spicy Tuna Fish Sandwich Recipe10 Minutes
- Beef Stew with Dumplings Recipe2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Southwestern Chicken Soup Recipe45 Minutes
- Maryland Crab Soup Recipe1 Hours 20 Minutes
- Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp Recipe25 Minutes
- Teriyaki Chicken Wraps Recipe30 Minutes
Leave a Reply