Imagine a dish that combines the irresistible crunch of crispy crackers, the smoky goodness of bacon, and the creamy, cheesy perfection of a classic chicken salad – all baked to golden-brown deliciousness! This Cracked Out Hot Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession, transforming ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is guaranteed to be a game-changer in your culinary repertoire.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to incorporate the seasonings throughout the chicken mixture.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the chicken mixture, creating a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the hot chicken salad rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or as a main course.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- Make sure to thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution of cheese, bacon, and seasonings.
- For extra crunch, consider mixing different types of crackers or adding a handful of sliced almonds to the topping.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set properly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
- To prevent the topping from burning, cover with foil if it browns too quickly during baking.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking – just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for unique flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 466kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
