Best 8 Contest Winning Hot Chicken Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our irresistible hot chicken salad, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This winning recipe, crowned in a prestigious contest, seamlessly blends succulent chicken, a medley of crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing that elevates the dish to new heights. Whether you prefer a classic preparation or crave a zesty twist, our curated collection of hot chicken salad recipes offers something for every palate. Embark on a flavor-filled adventure as we guide you through each recipe, ensuring a perfect balance of heat, savoriness, and freshness in every bite. Prepare to be captivated by this iconic dish that has earned its place as a culinary masterpiece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THE BEST HOT CHICKEN SALAD



The BEST Hot Chicken Salad image

The BEST Hot Chicken Salad - seriously delicious chicken casserole!! Baked chicken salad loaded with pimentos, water chestnuts, almonds, cheese and french fried onions. Great for lunch, brunch, dinner, baby showers, potlucks, and tailgating. Chicken, almonds, water chestnuts, pimentos, celery, lemon juice, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup and french fried onions. Can make in advance and refrigerate or freeze for later. #casserole #chicken #chickencasserole #freezermeal

Provided by Plain Chicken

Categories     Main Course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup sliced almonds
1 (8-oz ) can sliced water chestnuts, (drained)
1 (4-oz) jar diced pimentos, (drained)
2 cups chopped celery
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1½ cups mayonnaise
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10.75-oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp pepper (or to taste)
1 (3-oz) can French fried onions

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9x13x2-inch pan with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, almonds, water chestnuts, pimentos, celery, lemon juice, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper. Spread into prepared pan.
  • Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Sprinkle French fried onions on top of casserole and bake an additional 10 minutes.

THE BEST CHICKEN SALAD



The Best Chicken Salad image

Gently poaching chicken breasts in an aromatic broth yields tender morsels for folding into a bright and herby homemade dressing. Serve it solo on a bed of lettuce with sliced tomatoes or in half an avocado. It also makes a killer chicken club sandwich topped with crisp bacon and other sandwich fixings.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 cup prepared or homemade mayonnaise
2 teaspoons strained freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups diced poached chicken, recipe follows
1 stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons shallot, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Sliced chives, for garnish
10 sprigs parsley
2 sprigs thyme
1 small onion, halved
1 small carrot, halved
1 stalk celery, halved
3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breast halves, fat trimmed
5 to 6 cups chicken broth, homemade or low-sodium store bought

Steps:

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, 1 tablespoon salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
  • Toss together the chicken, celery, shallot, dill and parsley in a large bowl.
  • Add the dressing to the chicken and mix gently until combined. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to overnight to meld flavors. Garnish with chives.
  • Put the parsley, thyme, onion, carrot, celery and chicken breasts in a medium saucepan. Cover with the broth and bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low and cover. Poach the chicken until firm to the touch, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, uncover and cool the chicken in the liquid for 30 minutes.
  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and reserve the liquid. Bone and skin the chicken and roughly chop the meat into about 1/2-inch pieces. Discard the bones and skin.
  • Strain the broth and store, covered, in the refrigerator for 3 days or freeze for later use. Remove any fat from the surface of the broth before using.

CONTEST-WINNING HOT CHICKEN SALAD



Contest-Winning Hot Chicken Salad image

After I tasted this hot chicken salad at a women's luncheon, I left with the recipe in hand. I was our city clerk for several years, and on election days I brought this to serve our poll workers for lunch. It got everyone's vote of approval! I've found it is also delicious stuffed in a tomato. -Ruth Glabe, Oronoco, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 bay leaves
4 cups diced celery
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups sour cream
2 cans (8 ounces each) water chestnuts, drained
1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cans (2.8 ounces each) french-fried onions
Chopped green onions, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Place chicken in a Dutch oven and cover with water; add bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until chicken juices run clear. Remove chicken and cut into 1/2-in. cubes; place in a large bowl. Stir in the next 11 ingredients. , Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish (dish will be full). Sprinkle with cheese and french-fried onions. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, about 30 minutes. Garnish with green onions, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1003 calories, Fat 83g fat (23g saturated fat), Cholesterol 112mg cholesterol, Sodium 1697mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

HOT CHICKEN SALAD



Hot Chicken Salad image

I've always doubled this recipe since our family of five loves it so much. I use chopped or sliced almonds.

Provided by NORMAG

Categories     Salad

Time 35m

Yield 11

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 ½ cups chopped, cooked chicken meat
2 cups chopped celery
½ cup chopped salted almonds
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoons minced onion
2 tablespoons chopped pimento peppers
¾ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup shredded Swiss cheese
3 cups crushed potato chips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine the chicken, celery, almonds, bell pepper, onion, pimento, salt, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. Mix well and pour into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
  • Top with grated cheese and the crushed potato chips. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 288.2 calories, Carbohydrate 13.3 g, Cholesterol 30.7 mg, Fat 21.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 12.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 363.3 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

HOT CHICKEN SALAD



Hot Chicken Salad image

Having my recipe selected as a winner is a special thrill for me-my husband is a manager of the Penn State Univ. poultry research farm. Baking has always been my favorite type of cooking. So, when I got married 9 years ago, I was happy to have this simple yet delicious recipe-which originated with my aunt and was passed on to my mom. Now, with three small children (they're 6, 4, and 1), I need all the fast dishes I can find! It's great for a luncheon...or served with salad and rolls, for supper.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

2-1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup diced celery
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
TOPPING:
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup cornflake crumbs
1/2 cup slivered almonds

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first nine ingredients. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and soup. Pour over chicken mixture; stir gently to coat. Spoon into a greased 2-qt. baking dish. , In a small skillet, melt butter. Add cornflakes and almonds; cook and stir until lightly browned. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 272 calories, Fat 12g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 40mg cholesterol, Sodium 522mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

HOT CHICKEN SALAD I



Hot Chicken Salad I image

This dish is a favorite at potlucks.

Provided by Amy Brolsma

Categories     Salad

Time 1h10m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups diced, cooked chicken meat
2 cups chopped celery
4 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 cup almonds
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded American cheese
2 cups crushed cornflakes cereal

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F ( 165 degrees ).
  • Mix together chicken, celery, lemon juice, chopped onion, toasted almonds, mayonnaise, sour cream, and grated cheese and place mixture in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with crushed corn flakes.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 636.1 calories, Carbohydrate 15.7 g, Cholesterol 103.5 mg, Fat 50.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 31.6 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 573.8 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

CRAIG CLAIBORNE'S CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH



Craig Claiborne's Chicken Salad Sandwich image

Originally printed in 1981, here is Craig Claiborne's take on the classic chicken salad sandwich. In his version, a combination of mayonnaise (preferably homemade) and yogurt is used which yields a lighter, tangier sandwich filling. He calls for using poached chicken, but the leftover roast chicken from last night would work beautifully as well.

Provided by The New York Times

Categories     easy, lunch, quick, snack, weekday, sandwiches

Time 15m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 poached chicken, 3 1/2 pounds
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup drained capers
1/2 cup yogurt
3/4 cup mayonnaise, preferably homemade
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, or to taste
salt to taste, if desired
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
8 to 12 slices rye bread, either freshly toasted or left untoasted
Pickle strips, radishes or cherry tomatoes, for garnish

Steps:

  • Strip the cooked chicken meat from the bones and cut it into bitesize pieces. There should be about 3 1/2 cups. Put the meat into a mixing bowl. Add the celery, onion and capers.
  • Blend together the yogurt, mayonnaise and vinegar and add to the chicken mixture. Add salt, pepper, parsley and scallions and toss to blend.
  • Use the bread to make sandwiches, garnished, if desired, with pickle strips, radishes, cherry tomatoes or any garnish of your choice.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 644, UnsaturatedFat 36 grams, Carbohydrate 10 grams, Fat 51 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 36 grams, SaturatedFat 12 grams, Sodium 864 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BEST CHICKEN SALAD



Best Chicken Salad image

The secret here isn't in the seasonings (though the tarragon and sour cream make it pretty wonderful) but in the texture of the chicken, described as "plush" by the chef Barbara Tropp in her "China Moon" cookbook. She incorporated Chinese methods and flavors to her cooking, including this foolproof method for poaching chicken breasts without overcooking. It makes a chicken salad that's perfect for sandwiches (especially on dark rye or sourdough breads) or scooped onto a lettuce-lined plate with sliced radishes, tomatoes, crackers, grapes or all of the above. The chicken breasts used here must be bone-in, but you can remove the skin if you prefer. The skin and bones flavor the cooking liquid, providing a bonus of several pints of chicken stock.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     brunch, dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, main course

Time 6h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

About 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
2 scallions, cut into thirds
1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 lemon, halved
2/3 cup mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann's, Best Foods or homemade
1/4 cup sour cream or crème fraîche, more to taste
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard or 1 teaspoon brine from a jar of pickles, optional
2 or 3 pale green celery ribs, cut into medium (1/4-inch) dice
1/2 cup minced onion or finely sliced scallion, optional
1/2 cup walnut or pecan halves, broken into bite-size pieces
3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon, parsley, or chives, plus extra for garnish
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Choose a heavy pot or Dutch oven with a tightfitting lid. It should be large enough to hold the chicken snugly, but not much bigger. Fill pot about 2/3 full with cold water, but don't put the chicken in yet. Boil some extra water in a teakettle.
  • Add scallions and peppercorns to water, cover and bring to a rolling boil. Turn off heat and slip chicken pieces into the hot water. If needed, add boiling water from the kettle to cover chicken with water by 2 inches. Replace the lid and let chicken rest in the hot water for about 2 hours. Do not turn the flame back on: The pot will retain enough heat to cook chicken thoroughly and safely. (To test, cut into 1 piece of chicken and check the meat near the bone. If it is still pink, return the pot to low heat, bring the water to a simmer and simmer 10 minutes more.)
  • Lift chicken out of the pot. Remove and discard bones, skin and fat. Pat the meat dry with paper towels, then cut or shred into small bite-size pieces and transfer to a bowl. (Meanwhile, simmer cooking liquid until tasty, strain and refrigerate or freeze to use as chicken stock.)
  • In a bowl, whisk together juice of 1/2 lemon, mayonnaise and sour cream. If using, whisk in mustard or brine. Taste and adjust the seasonings and thickness to your liking. Pour over chicken, scraping the bowl clean with a rubber spatula.
  • Add celery, onion if using, nuts, herbs and salt and pepper. Toss gently but thoroughly. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with herbs before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1112, UnsaturatedFat 54 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 77 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 96 grams, SaturatedFat 18 grams, Sodium 1300 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • To make the chicken, you can either boil or poach it. If you are boiling the chicken, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • If you are poaching the chicken, bring a large pot of water to a simmer and add the chicken breasts. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • To make the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the celery, onion, and almonds and stir until combined.
  • To assemble the salad, combine the shredded chicken, dressing, and grapes in a large bowl. Stir until combined. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Conclusion:

This contest-winning hot chicken salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The chicken is cooked to perfection and the dressing is creamy and flavorful. The addition of grapes adds a touch of sweetness and crunch. This salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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