Description
This Chicken Salad Soufflé Casserole is a delightful combination of tender cooked chicken mixed with crunchy celery and creamy mayonnaise, topped with a light and fluffy cheddar cheese soufflé. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Salad Base
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1½ cups chopped celery
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Soufflé Topping
- 3 large eggs, separated
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Chicken Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, chopped celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare Soufflé Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the heavy cream until smooth, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk and cheese mixture, being careful to keep the mixture light and airy for the soufflé texture.
- Assemble: Spoon the cheese soufflé topping evenly over the chicken salad base in the casserole dish, smoothing it gently with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the soufflé topping is puffed and golden brown on top. This will ensure the casserole is cooked through and the topping is delightfully light and airy.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor of this comforting dish.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked chicken or well-drained canned chicken to avoid excess moisture.
- Be gentle when folding egg whites into the yolk mixture to retain the soufflé’s light texture.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a bit more lemon juice or a dash of mustard to the chicken salad base.
- This casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
