Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Salad:
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grapes or apples, chopped (optional for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz or saltines) for a crunchy topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to mix with the cracker crumbs)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Salad Mixture
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Chicken and Veggies: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the diced celery, chopped red onion, and any other optional veggies or fruits (like grapes or apples) that you prefer.
- Add Dressing Ingredients: Stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Mix Until Combined: Make sure everything is well-mixed, and the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the chicken salad mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken salad mixture.
- Prepare the Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated with butter.
- Add the Cracker Crumbs: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs over the cheese layer, covering the casserole evenly.
Bake the Casserole
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should be melted and the cracker crumbs crispy.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 min.
- Cook Time: 35 min.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25g