If you’re on the hunt for a family-pleasing dish that’s equal parts creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, look no further than this Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken salad, whipped up into a fluffy, golden soufflé and finished with a buttery cracker topping. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner, hosting a luncheon, or bringing a showstopper to a potluck, this casserole blends the savory flavors you love with a texture that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, it’s destined to become one of your go-to crowd favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Can you believe just a handful of kitchen staples can create something this delicious? Each ingredient brings its own personality—crunch from the veggies, richness from the cheese and mayo, that perfect lift from egg whites, and a topping that’s practically irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need for Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or chopped, this brings lean protein and a hearty bite (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!).
- Celery: Finely chopped for wonderful crunch and fresh, clean flavor.
- Onion: Adds zippy sharpness and savory undertones—don’t skimp here!
- Mayonnaise: Gives the casserole creamy texture and rich flavor; you can swap some with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers subtle heat and complexity that quietly makes everything taste better.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste for your perfect level of savoriness.
- Eggs (separated): The real secret to the soufflé effect! Yolks enrich, whites make everything light and airy.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melty, flavorful, and a little sharp—just what you want on top.
- Buttery Crackers (crushed): This adds that craveable crunch to every bite; Ritz or a similar cracker works best.
- Butter (melted): Mixed into the crackers for a golden, toasty finish.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Keeps everything where it belongs—on your plate, not the dish!
How to Make Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving after baking. This simple step sets you up for casserole success from the very start.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a well-blended mixture. This is the comforting, savory heart of your Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole, and the mayo brings it all together in creamy harmony.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Yolks
Crack your four eggs, separating the yolks and whites. Whisk the yolks and add them directly to your chicken mixture. Stir until those yolks are seamlessly integrated—this small step adds a rich, custardy depth you’ll absolutely notice in the final dish.
Step 4: Whip and Fold in the Egg Whites
In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high until they form stiff peaks. This is the magic that gives your Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole that signature airy lift. Carefully fold the egg whites into your chicken salad base, working gently to keep as much volume as possible.
Step 5: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Pour the airy, fluffy mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top—don’t hold back! In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese for a mouthwatering golden crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set. Let your Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing in. This short wait lets everything settle and ensures the perfect serving texture!
How to Serve Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole
Garnishes
A little finishing flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the baked casserole for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. If you’re feeling zesty, a few grinds of black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika will elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or some tender steamed green beans. For a more satisfying meal, consider serving it with warm dinner rolls or a fresh fruit salad to balance the rich, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, bring the whole bubbling casserole right to the table and let everyone dig in! Hosting brunch? Try baking the mixture in individual ramekins for adorable, personal servings. You can even scoop leftovers onto toasted croissants or inside lettuce wraps for a fun, appetizing lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container to maintain that wonderful texture.
Freezing
While souffle-style casseroles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze fully baked portions if needed. Allow slices to cool completely, then wrap individually and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the texture remains light and pleasant.
Reheating
To reheat, place single servings in a 325°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can deflate the soufflé texture. If you must use a microwave, try short bursts on 50 percent power for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken brings extra flavor and makes preparation even easier. Just shred or chop it into bite-size pieces and proceed as directed for your Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise if I want to lighten it up?
Yes, you can replace up to half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This keeps the casserole creamy but with a lighter touch and a subtle tang.
Can I assemble Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole ahead of time?
The base can be mixed in advance, but for the fluffiest result, beat and fold in the egg whites just before baking. This preserves the classic airy soufflé texture that makes the dish so irresistible.
What’s the best way to crush the crackers for the topping?
Place your crackers in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or your hands. You want small, irregular pieces—nothing too powdery—so you get that signature crispy texture on top.
Are there other cheeses I can use besides cheddar?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with gruyère, pepper jack, or any melty cheese you adore. Just be sure it’s something with good flavor so it shines through the soufflé base.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing cozy, extra-special meals with people you care about, Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole is a choice you won’t regret! Its combination of comfort and cleverness is sure to win rave reviews every time, so gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this timeless, delicious favorite!
Print
Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole, a savory blend of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and zesty seasonings, all baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup celery (finely chopped)
- ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Soufflé Topping:
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 2-quart casserole dish. Mix chicken, celery, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Beat egg yolks and stir into chicken mixture. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into chicken mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour mixture into casserole dish, top with cheese, and sprinkle with cracker mixture. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and set. Rest before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and convenience.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
