Are you ready to experience a mouthwatering twist on the classic chicken salad that will transport you straight to grandma's kitchen? This irresistible Mom's Chicken Salad Casserole is not just another recipe—it's a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed journey that transforms the traditional cold salad into a warm, bubbling masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds. With a perfect blend of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and a golden cracker topping, this dish is about to become your new comfort food obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, chopped celery, and halved grapes. Ensure the chicken is cooled to room temperature before mixing.
- Add mayonnaise to the chicken mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. The mayonnaise will help bind the salad together and provide a creamy texture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper, mixing well to distribute the seasonings throughout the salad.
- Gently fold in the sliced almonds, which will add a delightful crunch to the casserole.
- Transfer the chicken salad mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the crushed crackers evenly over the top of the chicken salad, creating a crispy golden topping.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
- Serve warm as a comforting main dish, optionally garnished with additional sliced almonds or fresh herbs.
Tips
- Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for extra flavor depth
- Ensure chicken is completely cooled before mixing to prevent mayonnaise from breaking
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding for an enhanced nutty flavor
- For a crispier topping, mix some melted butter with the crushed crackers
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld together
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking—just add 5-10 minutes to cooking time
- Experiment with different types of nuts or crackers for unique variations
- Serve with a light green salad or fresh vegetables for a complete meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 336kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
