The Perfect Answer to “What’s for Dinner?” A Hot Chicken Salad Casserole!

Let’s solve a classic weeknight dilemma. You have leftover chicken and a craving for something warm, cheesy, and comforting, but you’re tired of the same old thing. The answer? This incredible hot chicken salad casserole.

We’re taking all the creamy, savory elements of a classic chicken salad and turning it into a bubbling, golden-brown bake that will have everyone running to the dinner table.

This dish is a masterclass in creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. We’ll fold tender shredded chicken into a rich base of cream cheese, tangy sour cream, and zesty buffalo sauce for that signature kick.

Packed with crunchy celery and sharp cheddar, then baked until gooey and delicious, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food hybrid.

Forget everything you think you know about chicken salad. This warm, scoopable version is a game-changer for potlucks, game days, or any night you need a seriously satisfying meal.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at the timeline for this easy and crowd-pleasing bake.

Ingredients

This casserole uses simple, powerful ingredients to create its signature rich and spicy flavor.

• Shredded Cooked Chicken – A store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect for this. You can also use any leftover cooked and shredded chicken.
  • 3-4 servings: 2 cups
  • 6-8 servings: 4 cups
• Cream Cheese – This creates the rich, creamy, and tangy base of the casserole. It must be softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 3-4 servings: 4 oz (half a block)
  • 6-8 servings: 8 oz (a full block)
• Buffalo-Style Hot Sauce – For that signature tangy heat.
  • Servings: ½ – ¾ cup, depending on your spice preference.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: ½ cup, for a cool and creamy counterpoint.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: ½ cup.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded and divided.
• Aromatics & Veggies:
  • Celery: 2 ribs, finely chopped.
  • Red Onion or Scallions: ¼ cup, finely chopped.
  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp.
• Optional Topping: ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, tossed with 1 tbsp melted butter.

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Seasonings

• Buffalo Hot Sauce: This is the star of the show, providing the classic tangy, vinegary, and cayenne-driven heat that defines the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Forms the luxurious, rich, and slightly tangy foundation that holds everything together and masterfully balances the spice.
• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: This adds a crucial layer of cool, creamy, and herbal flavor that is the classic pairing for buffalo sauce.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Lends a deep, savory flavor throughout and creates that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly, and cheesy crust on top.

Essential Tools

This is a simple bake that requires just a few kitchen basics.

• 2-quart baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or large spoon
• Cheese grater

Cooking Instructions

This casserole is a simple mix-and-bake affair, perfect for getting a decadent meal on the table with minimal fuss.

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Base

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your 2-quart baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, it’s essential to start with your cream cheese completely softened to room temperature.

Add the softened cream cheese, buffalo hot sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, sour cream, and garlic powder to the bowl. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to mix everything together until the base is smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps of cream cheese.

Step 2: Fold in the Main Ingredients

Once your creamy base is smooth, add the 4 cups of shredded chicken, the finely chopped celery, the chopped red onion or scallions, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.

Use a spatula to gently fold all the ingredients together. Continue to mix until the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed and everything is generously coated in the spicy buffalo-cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Top the Casserole

Spoon the entire chicken salad mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface.

For an extra crunchy topping, which is highly recommended, toss the ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs with the tablespoon of melted butter and scatter this mixture over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are hot and bubbly and the cheesy topping is completely melted and a beautiful golden-brown.

Let the casserole rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve.

Recipe Variations

This versatile casserole is easy to customize to your liking.

• Add Pasta: For a more substantial, classic casserole, stir in 2-3 cups of cooked short pasta (like rotini or shells) along with the chicken. You may need to add an extra splash of buffalo sauce or dressing.
• Different Cheeses: Feel free to get creative with the cheese. A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles on top along with the cheddar, would be delicious.
• Protein Swaps: This recipe is fantastic with leftover shredded turkey, especially after the holidays.

Serving Suggestions

This rich casserole can be served as a hearty dip or a main course.

• As a Dip: Serve the hot casserole directly from the baking dish with a spread of sturdy tortilla chips, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and crackers for dipping.
• As a Main Course: Spoon a generous portion over a bed of fluffy white rice, next to a baked potato, or alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.
• On Bread: It’s also incredible served hot on toasted slider buns or hoagie rolls for a messy but delicious sandwich.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers are fantastic, and this casserole reheats beautifully.

• Storage: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can fully assemble the casserole (but don’t add the panko topping yet), cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to bake, add the buttered panko on top and you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from cold.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?

The easiest method is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. If you want to cook your own, poaching is a great way to ensure moist results.

Simply place 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a pot, cover with water or chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook gently for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

For the absolute crispiest topping, after you bake the casserole for 20 minutes, switch your oven to the broil setting.

Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching it very carefully, until the panko and cheese are a deep golden-brown.

Enjoy This Ultimate Comfort Casserole!

You are now ready to bake a hot chicken salad casserole that is sure to become a new favorite. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and savory, all in one easy-to-make dish.

It’s comfort food at its absolute best. Enjoy every single scoop!