Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

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Ingredients

This recipe serves approximately 6–8 people. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the casserole:

  • 4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns (thawed)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

For the topping:

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Preparing the Ingredients

  1. Thaw the hashbrowns: Place the frozen hashbrowns in the fridge overnight or run under cold water for a quicker option. Pat dry to remove excess moisture.
  2. Cook and shred chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken, or cook chicken breasts in a skillet with a bit of salt and pepper, then shred using two forks.
  3. Prep onions and garlic: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. These add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the casserole.

Making the Casserole Base

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded hashbrowns, shredded chicken, onion, garlic, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.

Tip: For extra creaminess, you can add an additional ¼ cup of milk or a little cream if desired.

Preparing the Topping

The topping adds a golden, crunchy finish to the casserole:

  1. Mix topping ingredients: In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs, and 2 tablespoons melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle on casserole: Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the casserole base. This will create a beautiful, bubbly crust when baked.

Optional: Add a little paprika or dried herbs on top for extra flavor and color.

Baking the Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

  1. Cover and bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  2. Uncover for browning: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  3. Cool slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes serving easier.

Pro tip: Using a glass baking dish helps monitor the browning and doneness of the casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is versatile and pairs well with:

  • Fresh salads: A crisp garden salad or Caesar salad balances the richness of the casserole.
  • Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are perfect for adding a healthy touch.
  • As a main dish: Serve it as a comforting one-dish meal.

Garnish idea: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh, colorful touch.

Tips for the Best Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

  1. Use thawed hashbrowns: Excess moisture can make the casserole soggy.
  2. Cook chicken thoroughly: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds flavor.
  3. Don’t skip the topping: It adds texture and a beautiful golden finish.
  4. Make ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh before serving.
  5. Customize flavors: Mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra depth.

Variations to Try

  • Cheese variations: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses.
  • Spicy twist: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.
  • Low-carb option: Replace hashbrowns with riced cauliflower for a lighter version.
  • Creamier version: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese for extra richness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g

Note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a classic comfort dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and loved by kids and adults alike. With minimal effort, you get a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or holiday gatherings.

Whether you’re serving it for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or making it ahead for meal prep, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and tender chicken combine perfectly with hashbrowns to create a dish that’s simply irresistible.

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