Ultimate Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Savory Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting the ultimate chicken hashbrown casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into a mouthwatering adventure.

Comfort food enthusiasts will fall in love with this creamy, cheesy delight.

Layers of golden potatoes and tender chicken create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Crispy edges and a soft, melty center make every bite irresistible.

Weeknight dinners become something special when you bring this crowd-pleasing dish to the table.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in a single pan.

Prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible casserole that’ll have them asking for seconds.

The Ultimate Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

  • Crush Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a hearty, satisfying meal that delivers pure warmth and happiness with every single bite.
  • Master Simple Cooking Techniques: No advanced culinary skills needed – this recipe welcomes home cooks of all levels with straightforward, foolproof steps.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Swap ingredients easily, add extra cheese, or include different protein options to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Feed a Hungry Crowd Quickly: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you need a delicious dish that feeds multiple people without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

For the Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that adds substance to the casserole.
For the Base:
  • Frozen Hashbrowns: Crispy potato shreds that create a satisfying foundation for the dish.
For the Creamy Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Ingredients that provide rich, smooth texture and deep flavor to the casserole.
  • Milk: A liquid that helps blend and soften the creamy mixture.
For the Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds a delicious golden topping and extra flavor.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Spices that enhance and balance the overall taste of the casserole.
For the Topping:
  • Crackers: A crunchy element that provides a crisp texture to the casserole surface.
  • Butter: A key ingredient that helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Sour Cream: Extras that can add a fresh and creamy finishing touch to the dish.

Stepwise Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Sour cream
  • Milk
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Fold in Protein and Cheese

Gently stir in the shredded chicken and a handful of cheddar cheese.

Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Layer the Hashbrowns

Dump the frozen hashbrowns into the creamy mixture.

Stir until each potato strand is coated with the delicious sauce. Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for extra gooey goodness.

Step 5: Create a Crunchy Topping

Crush some crackers and mix with melted butter.

Scatter this crispy mixture evenly across the casserole surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. If you want, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

  • Use rotisserie chicken for deeper, more robust taste that elevates the entire casserole.
  • Thaw and pat dry hashbrowns thoroughly to avoid excess moisture and ensure a crispy result.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based cheese for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Mix panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers for an extra crispy and textured surface that adds delightful crunch.
  • Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal prep.

Flavor Variations on Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

  • Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace garlic and onion powder with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of crackers for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, mix in crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hashbrowns with riced cauliflower, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra protein by mixing in diced ham or bacon bits.
  • Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.

Pairings That Go Well With Hashbrown Casserole

  • Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Smooth, buttery Chardonnay cuts through the casserole's richness, complementing its creamy texture with subtle oak undertones.
  • Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Light, tangy mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette balance the casserole's hearty flavors and add refreshing crispness to the meal.
  • Roasted Seasonal Vegetables Partner: Herb-roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a caramelized, earthy contrast to the casserole's creamy profile.

Storage Tips for Hashbrown Casserole

  • Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent odors from absorbing.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track freshness.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh hashbrowns, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture first to prevent a watery casserole.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Greek yogurt or cream of mushroom soup work well as alternatives if you want to change up the flavor profile.

  • How can I make this casserole more protein-rich?

Add extra shredded chicken, or mix in diced ham, turkey, or even cooked bacon to boost the protein content.

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Ultimate Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Ultimate Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Hearty Chicken Hashbrown Casserole brings comfort and flavor together in one delightful dish that combines tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and creamy cheese. Packed with savory goodness, you’ll love this satisfying meal that delivers classic American home-style cooking in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 (32 ounces / 907 grams) bag frozen hashbrowns
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by coating a 9×13 inch dish with grease and warming the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Create a rich, creamy base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, and a blend of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Fold shredded chicken and a portion of cheddar cheese into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  4. Incorporate frozen hashbrowns into the mixture, gently stirring until the potatoes are completely coated with the creamy sauce.
  5. Transfer the combined mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface and topping with remaining cheese.
  6. Prepare a crunchy topping by combining crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the casserole.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
  8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and better flavor blending in the creamy mixture.
  • Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt levels for those watching their sodium intake.
  • Swap frozen hashbrowns with freshly grated potatoes for a more authentic, crispy texture if time permits.
  • Choose rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a richer, more developed meat flavor profile.
  • For a gluten-free version, replace crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth and a subtle smoky undertone to the casserole.
  • Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-packed, tangier alternative with less fat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 327 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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