Crispy Chicken Salad Casserole

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 2 cups of crispy fried onions, chopped celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
   • Stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese and the slivered almonds if using.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Once mixed, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Prepare the Topping:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1 cup of crispy fried onions and 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, mix these with the melted butter, then combine with the onions and cheese.
5. Add the Topping:
   • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole mixture in the baking dish.
6. Bake:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve:
   • Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven, then serve warm. This dish can be accompanied by a side salad or your favorite vegetable sides for a complete meal.

Enjoy your Crispy Chicken Salad Casserole, a dish that’s sure to please both casserole lovers and salad enthusiasts alike with its unique blend of flavors and textures!