Hot Chicken Salad-Lightened Version

A local TV station has a segment called That's a Good Question.  It seeks to answer viewers' questions on a variety of topics. Since I needed pertinent information for this recipe I was wondering if Miracle Whip could be substituted for mayonnaise as I only had Miracle Whip. I discovered several interesting things worth sharing. 

A Recap of the Differences Between Mayo and Miracle Whip

check this link out-very enlightening 

https://delishably.com/sauces-preserves/Differences-Between-Mayonnaise-and-Miracle-Whip
I also learned some new things about Miracle Whip

Miracle Whip dressing, which is a product of Kraft Foods, can be substituted for mayonnaise in most recipes. However, since Miracle Whip has a distinctly sweet and spicy flavor, it isn't always the best substitute for the mellower flavor of mayonnaise. Ever since Kraft Miracle Whip made its debut in 1933 at the Chicago World's Fair, it has been labeled a "dressing" rather than a mayonnaise. Although it looks like mayo, it actually isn't. And, it sure doesn't taste like mayonnaise. Southerners never ever mess with Miracle Whip. A true southerner is fiercely loyal to Dukes.  What side of the fence are you on?  

As of 2014, both mayo and Miracle Whip cost about the same, so the choice depends on nutritional needs and flavor preference. Miracle Whip contains less calories and fat than mayonnaise, but it has more sodium and carbohydrates and more additives. Some healthier mayonnaise substitutes include plain Greek yogurt, low-fat cottage cheese, hummus and vegan soy-based dressing, which compare more closely with the flavor of mayonnaise.




Hot Chicken Salad

Cook's Notes: Bring on the comfort food even if the calendar says its May. We've had a lot of chilly unspring like weather. Hot Chicken Salad adds a craveable dose of texture and crunch thanks to the additions of water chestnuts, almonds, and crisp potato chips. Yum and yum. It’s not all crunch, though. This recipe also brings to the table the classic chicken-salad creaminess we’ve come to know and love—thanks to the cheddar cheese, mayonnaise,(Miracle Whip for me) and sour cream, (yogurt for me) plus a good dose of fresh lemon juice for a tart touch. One of the best parts of this classic recipe is no creamed soups were added.
Recipe serves 4 and was adapted from cuisineathome.com
Ingredients:

• 2-1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 3/4 cup light mayonnaise or light Miracle Whip
• 3/4 cup light sour cream or Greek plain yogurt
• 2 Tb. lemon juice
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup each diced celery, red peppers and onions
• 1 tsp. parsley flakes 
• 1-1/4 cups shredded low fat cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional one small can minced water chestnuts 

Topping

• 1 cup crushed potato chips, Fritos or round butter crackers 
• 1/2 tsp. parsley flakes
• 1 TB melted butter
• 1/2 cup almond slices
• 1/4 cup shredded low fat cheddar cheese

Chicken Salad Directions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Lightly grease a pie pan.
• Whisk together mayonnaise or Miracle Whip with sour cream or yogurt, parsley flakes and lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste.
• Fold in chicken, celery, onions and peppers with 1 cup of the cheese. Spread evenly in the pie pan. 
  
• Bake 25 minutes uncovered. Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle with topping mixture. Bake 12 minutes more.
  

Topping Directions:

• In a zip loc bag mix chips, Fritos or crackers with melted butter, cheese, amd parsley flakes.
• Crush topping ingredients in the bag.  

Cooking tip: Depending on the size of your baking dish you may not use all the topping mixture.