Of course! “Hashbrown Chicken Casserole” is the ultimate comfort food dish—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep.
Here is a classic, highly-rated recipe for Hashbrown Chicken Casserole, along with tips and variations.
Classic Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
This recipe uses a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and frozen hash browns for maximum ease and flavor.
Yield: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients
· 2 cups Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced. A rotisserie chicken is perfect for this!
· 1 (30 oz) package Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: Thawed (this is key for even cooking)
· 1 (10.5 oz) can Cream of Chicken Soup: Or cream of mushroom or celery.
· 1 cup Sour Cream: Or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter: Melted, divided
· 1/2 cup Milk: Whole or 2% works best.
· 1 small Yellow Onion: Finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
· 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Divided
· 1 tsp Garlic Powder
· 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
· 1/2 tsp Salt (taste first, as the soup and cheese can be salty)
· Topping (Optional): 1 1/2 cups crushed cornflakes or crushed Ritz crackers mixed with the remaining 2 tbsp of melted butter.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Thaw Hash Browns: Ensure your hash browns are thawed. You can spread them on a baking sheet for 20-30 minutes or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Mix the Sauce: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and 6 tablespoons of the melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: To the sauce, add the thawed hash browns, diced onion, cooked chicken, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If using the crunchy topping, mix the crushed crackers/cornflakes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
Tips for the Best Casserole
· Thaw the Hash Browns: This is crucial! If they are frozen, they will release too much water and make the casserole soupy.
· Season to Taste: The saltiness of cream soups and cheese can vary. Always taste the mixture before putting it in the pan and adjust seasonings as needed. Paprika, dried thyme, or a dash of hot sauce are great additions.
· Don’t Skip the Topping: The buttery, crunchy topping provides a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy interior. It’s highly recommended!
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes in the oven cold.
· Freezing: Assemble the casserole without the crunchy topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding the topping just before it goes in the oven.
Popular Variations
· Broccoli Cheese: Add 2 cups of chopped, lightly steamed broccoli florets to the mix.
· Buffalo Chicken: Replace the milk with buffalo sauce and use a ranch seasoning packet instead of the garlic powder and pepper. Use a Monterey Jack or blue cheese crumble instead of cheddar.
· Everything Bagel: Sprinkle the top with everything bagel seasoning along with the cheese for a fantastic savory crunch.
· Southwest Style: Add a can of drained diced green chiles, 1 tsp of cumin, and use a Mexican blend cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal