Great Grandma’s Hot Chicken Salad

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Sure — here’s a full, big, classic-style recipe just the way you like it 😊👇

🥘 Great Grandma’s Hot Chicken Salad (Old-Fashioned Comfort Classic)

🌸 Introduction

Great Grandma’s Hot Chicken Salad is one of those timeless comfort dishes that instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, church potlucks, and cozy Sunday dinners. Warm, creamy, and loaded with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and toasted almonds, this casserole-style salad is both hearty and comforting.

Unlike cold chicken salads, this version is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a rich, savory dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect for sharing with the people you love.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • ½ cup onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional but traditional)
  • ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping

  • 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 works well).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
    • Chicken
    • Mayonnaise
    • Cream of chicken soup
    • Celery
    • Onion
    • Grapes (if using)
    • Nuts
    • Lemon juice
    • Salt, pepper, and garlic powder
  3. Mix everything gently until fully combined.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
  5. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
  6. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the chicken mixture. Add cheese if desired.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

🔥 Cooking Methods

✔ Oven-Baked (Classic Method)

Creates the traditional creamy center with crispy topping.

✔ Slow Cooker Method

Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours. Add cracker topping during the last 30 minutes.

✔ Skillet Method

Heat gently in a large pan, then broil briefly for a crispy top.

📜 History

Hot Chicken Salad became popular in Southern and Midwestern kitchens during the 1950s–1970s, especially at church socials and family reunions. It was loved for being affordable, filling, and easy to prepare ahead of time.

Great grandmothers often passed this recipe down through generations, adapting it with whatever was on hand — crackers instead of breadcrumbs, grapes for sweetness, or nuts for crunch.

🧬 Formation of the Dish

The recipe evolved from classic cold chicken salad but transformed into a warm casserole by adding soup and baking it. The cracker topping became a signature finish, giving it that irresistible buttery crunch.

❤️ Lovers of This Dish

This dish is especially loved by:

  • Comfort-food fans
  • Busy home cooks
  • Grandparents and grandkids alike
  • Potluck lovers
  • Anyone who enjoys creamy, savory casseroles

It’s a favorite at holidays, baby showers, and Sunday dinners.

🏁 Conclusion

Great Grandma’s Hot Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe — it’s tradition, warmth, and togetherness baked into one dish. Creamy chicken, crunchy topping, and simple ingredients come together to create a meal that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

Serve it with green beans, a fresh salad, or warm rolls — and watch it disappear fast.

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