Southern comfort food, gluten-free

There are certain recipes that instantly feel like home, and for me, Hot Chicken Salad is one of them. It’s the kind of classic Southern comfort food that shows up at family gatherings, church potlucks, baby showers, and holiday lunches. Warm, creamy, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s nostalgia in casserole form.

But this version has a little twist.

Instead of topping the casserole with traditional potato chips, I used Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips. They add the perfect salty crunch with just a hint of sweetness that works so well with the creamy chicken filling. It’s one of those simple upgrades that makes an old-fashioned recipe feel fresh and modern while still keeping all the cozy comfort vibe we love.

And the best part? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, soy-free, refined sugar-free, and easily adaptable for dairy-free diets, making it perfect for feeding a crowd with different dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chicken Salad

This recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food:

• Creamy and cheesy
• Crunchy topping with Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips
• Loaded with flavor from artichokes, pimentos, celery, and green onions
• Easy to prepare ahead of time
• Great for potlucks, holidays, brunches, and family dinners
• Naturally gluten-free

It’s hearty enough for dinner but equally perfect served at lunch with a simple salad or fresh fruit on the side.

What Makes This Version Special?

Traditional Southern hot chicken salad recipes usually use crushed potato chips on top. Delicious? Absolutely. But using Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips gives this casserole a richer flavor and extra texture that takes it to another level.

The sweet potato chips get beautifully crisp in the oven and pair perfectly with the creamy, savory filling underneath. Plus, Jackson’s chips are cooked in avocado oil, which makes them a great option for those looking for cleaner ingredients.

It’s comfort food with just enough of a modern twist to make everyone ask for the recipe.

What You’ll Need

For the casserole:

• Cooked chicken
• Artichoke hearts
• Mayonnaise
• Cheddar cheese
• Sliced almonds
• Celery
• Pimentos
• Green onions
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

For the topping:

• Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips

How to Make Hot Chicken Salad

This recipe is so simple, which is one reason it has remained a Southern classic for generations.

Mix the filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, pimentos, green onions, artichoke hearts, sliced almonds, cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir in the mayonnaise until creamy and fully combined.

Bake

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake until hot and bubbly.

Add the crunch

Top the casserole with a generous layer of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips and return it to the oven for a few more minutes until the chips are crisp and lightly toasted.

That crunchy topping against the creamy filling is absolute perfection.

Tips for the Best Hot Chicken Salad

Use rotisserie chicken

This is the ultimate shortcut and adds so much flavor.

Don’t skip the lemon juice

It brightens the richness of the casserole and balances everything beautifully.

Add the chips at the end

This keeps them crunchy instead of soggy.

Make it ahead

You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just wait to add the chips until the final few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Southern chicken casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Gluten-free crackers
• Iced tea or lemonade

It’s also fantastic leftover the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Last Bite

This Hot Chicken Salad is everything Southern comfort food should be, warm, creamy, crunchy, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying. The addition of Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips gives the recipe a fun, flavorful twist while still honoring the classic casserole so many of us grew up loving.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels right at home on a holiday table, at a family gathering, or honestly, just on a random Tuesday night when you want something cozy and comforting. And once you try that sweet potato chip topping, you may never go back to the original version again.

For more recipes featuring Jackson’s chips, check out Gluten-Free Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Sandwiches, Potato Chip Chaat Salad, and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie.

And if you need more information about gluten-free ingredients, we have the Ultimate Gluten-Free Ingredient Guide.