2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 bay leaves
4 cups diced celery
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups sour cream
2 cans (8 ounces each) water chestnuts, drained
1 can (8 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1 cup slivered almonds
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cans (2.8 ounces each) french-fried onions
Chopped green onions, optional
1. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Place chicken in a Dutch oven and cover with water; add bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cook, uncovered, until chicken juices run clear. Drain chicken and discard bay leaves. Cut chicken into 1/2-in. cubes; place in a large bowl. Stir in the next 11 ingredients.
2. Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish (dish will be full). Sprinkle with cheese and french-fried onions. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, about 30 minutes. Garnish with green onions if desired.
TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.
YIELD: 8 servings
After I tasted this chicken salad at a women's luncheon, I left with the recipe in hand. I was our city clerk for several years, and on election days I brought this to serve our poll workers for lunch. It got everyone's vote of approval! I've found it is also delicious stuffed in a tomato.
Nutrition Facts
1.5 cups: 1003 calories, 83g fat (23g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1697mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 36g protein.