My Famous Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe!
Imagine a warm, creamy dish straight from your oven. It combines tender chicken and savory mayonnaise. A crunchy, golden-brown topping finishes this amazing meal. This honey baked ham chicken salad recipe is simple to prepare.
First, you mix the main ingredients in a bowl. Next, you spread the mixture in a baking dish. Finally, you bake it until it is hot and bubbly. The result is a perfect dish for any occasion.
Here is what you will find in this delicious and easy guide.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
This snapshot gives you a quick look at the recipe details. It tells you everything from the time it takes to the skill needed.
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level | Spice Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Minutes | 20-25 Minutes | 35-40 Minutes | 6 Servings | Beginner | Mild |
Why a Hot Chicken Salad Recipe is a Must-Try for Dinner
This dish is a wonderful choice for your evening meal. It is warm, satisfying, and very easy to put together after a long day.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Experience
This recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The creamy chicken mix is so comforting. It gets baked until it is warm and bubbly. The cheese on top melts perfectly. It makes a dish that is wonderful for a cozy night at home with your family.
A Versatile Star for Any Meal
Hot chicken salad is great for many types of meals. You can serve it as a main dish for dinner. Or you can offer it as a warm dip with crackers. It works well for a casual family meal. It is also fancy enough for guests at a party.
Perfect for Busy Schedules and Leftovers
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It uses cooked chicken, which saves a lot of time. You can use leftover chicken from a previous meal. A store-bought rotisserie chicken works great too. The entire dish comes together very quickly before it goes into the oven to bake.
How to Prepare the Hot Chicken Salad Recipe
Making this dish is very straightforward. Just follow these simple instructions. Soon you will have a delicious meal ready for the table.
| Ingredients | Amount | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken (shredded) | 3 cups | Canned chicken (drained well) or rotisserie chicken |
| Mayonnaise | ¾ cup | Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for a tangier taste) |
| Celery (finely diced) | ½ cup | Water chestnuts (for a different crunch) |
| Onion (finely chopped) | ¼ cup | Onion powder (1 teaspoon) or green onions |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | White vinegar |
| Black Pepper | ½ teaspoon | White pepper |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | To taste |
| Cheddar Cheese (shredded) | 1 cup | Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend |
| Crushed Potato Chips | 1 cup | Buttered breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or slivered almonds |
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
First, you need to get your oven ready for baking. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your baking dish.
You will need a 1.5-quart or an 8×8 inch dish. Lightly grease the inside of the dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This important step prevents the salad from sticking.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Salad Base
Now, get a large mixing bowl for your ingredients. Add the shredded chicken to the bowl. Then add the diced celery and chopped onion. Pour in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything together. Keep mixing until all the ingredients are evenly combined. This creates your delicious salad base.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once your chicken salad base is mixed, it is time to assemble. Take your greased baking dish. Carefully transfer the chicken salad mixture from the bowl into the dish.
Use your spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly. Make sure the surface is mostly flat. This helps it bake evenly and ensures every bite is perfect.
Step 4: Add the Golden, Crunchy Topping
The topping adds a wonderful texture and flavor. First, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken salad. Cover the entire surface with a nice, even layer.
Next, add your crunchy topping. Gently spread the crushed potato chips over the cheese. This crunchy layer will turn golden brown and delicious in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Brown
Your hot chicken salad is now ready for the oven. Place the dish on the middle rack. Bake it for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will know it is done when the edges are bubbling.
The cheese should be completely melted. The crunchy topping should be a beautiful golden-brown color.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Result
These simple tips will help you make the best hot chicken salad. A few small changes can make a big difference in the final taste.
Choose the Best Chicken
The chicken you choose matters a lot. A store-bought rotisserie chicken adds great flavor. It is also very convenient and easy to use.
If you have time, poaching chicken breasts at home is another great option. Poached chicken is very tender and juicy. Just be sure to shred it well.
Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture
For an extra creamy salad, try a little trick. You can add a spoonful of sour cream. Plain Greek yogurt also works well for this.
Mix it in with the mayonnaise. This adds a nice richness and a bit of tang. It also helps make sure your salad does not become dry.
Let It Rest Before Serving
This step is very important. After you take the dish out of the oven, let it rest. You should let it sit for about five minutes.
This allows the salad to set up a little bit. It will be easier to serve. The flavors will also have time to come together perfectly.
How to Store and Serve Your Hot Chicken Salad
Knowing how to store and serve this dish helps you enjoy it even more. Here are some simple ideas for serving and saving your leftovers.
The Storing Method
- Refrigeration: Let the leftover hot chicken salad cool down completely. Once it is cool, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat later.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. This helps the topping stay nice and crunchy. Place it in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Using a microwave can make the topping soft.
The Serving Method
- With Crackers or Toasts: This dish is wonderful when served as a warm dip. Offer it with sturdy crackers like butter crackers or wheat crackers. Toasted baguette slices, also known as crostini, are another fantastic option. They are perfect for scooping up the creamy salad.
- As a Sandwich: Turn your hot chicken salad into a delicious sandwich. It is especially good when served on a croissant. The buttery, flaky pastry is a great match. You can also serve it on toasted bread or slider buns for small, party-friendly sandwiches.
Variations to Try
Feel free to change this recipe to make it your own. These fun variations add new and exciting flavors to the classic dish.
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad
If you like spicy food, this version is for you. Add about two tablespoons of buffalo hot sauce to the chicken mixture. Mix it in well. Instead of cheddar cheese, top it with blue cheese crumbles. This gives the dish a bold and tangy flavor that is very popular.
Bacon and Ranch Chicken Salad
Bacon makes everything better. For this variation, add about four slices of cooked, crumbled bacon. Also, mix in one tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning powder. These two ingredients create a savory and smoky flavor that everyone in the family will surely love.
Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention
Even simple recipes can have problems. Knowing about these common mistakes can help you avoid them and make your dish perfect every time.
Mistake #01: The Salad is Too Dry
- Solution: If the baked salad seems dry, you can serve it with extra sauce on the side. A little warm cheese sauce can help.
- Prevention: Make sure you use enough mayonnaise in your base mixture. If it looks a bit dry before baking, add another spoonful of mayo.
Mistake #02: The Salad is Oily
- Solution: If the final dish is oily, gently blot the top with a paper towel. This can help absorb some of the extra grease.
- Prevention: This problem often comes from using a lower-quality mayonnaise. Always use a good, full-fat mayonnaise for the best results.
Mistake #03: The Topping is Soggy
- Solution: If your topping is soggy, you can try to crisp it up. Place it under the broiler for just one minute. Watch it very carefully.
- Prevention: Always add the crunchy topping right before you put the dish in the oven. Also, do not cover the dish while it bakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare hot chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the chicken, mayo, and veggies ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese and crunchy topping just before you bake it.
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
You can use canned chicken. However, you must drain it very well. Too much water will make your salad runny. The texture is much better with freshly cooked chicken.
What can I serve with hot chicken salad as a main course?
This dish pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad is a great choice. You can also serve it with steamed green beans. Roasted broccoli is another healthy and tasty option.
Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
A warm, creamy chicken and veggie dish with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken (shredded)
- Mayonnaise
- Celery (finely diced)
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Lemon Juice
- Black Pepper
- Salt
- Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- Crushed Potato Chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.
- Combine chicken, celery, onion in large bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper.
- Mix well until evenly combined.
- Spread mixture into baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheese over the chicken.
- Add crushed potato chips on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Edges will be bubbly and topping golden.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add sour cream for extra creamy texture.
- Let the baked salad rest 5 minutes.
Let’s Get Cooking!
This dish is a true winner for any meal. It is warm, creamy, and packed with amazing flavor. The simple steps make this recipe easy for anyone to follow.
Your family and friends will ask for it again and again. So, try this wonderful hot chicken salad recipe soon. Please share your experience in the comments below. We would love to hear how it turned out for you
