Hashbrown Chicken  Casserole

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, crispy hash browns, and melted cheese into one incredibly satisfying dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

· Comfort Food at its Best: Cheesy, creamy, and incredibly satisfying
· Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, simple preparation
· Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves this combination of flavors
· Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or dinner
· Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

· 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
· 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed*
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
· 1 cup sour cream
· ½ cup milk
· 1 small onion, finely diced
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon paprika
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

· 2 cups cornflakes, slightly crushed
· ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
· 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

*Thaw hash browns overnight in refrigerator or spread on baking sheet at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
2. Stir in diced onion, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.
3. Fold in the cooked chicken, thawed hash browns, and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle the cornflake mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until bubbly around edges and golden brown on top.
2. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

· Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken is perfect here. You can also use boiled, baked, or grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
· Hash Brown Tip: Make sure hash browns are thoroughly thawed to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
· Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add topping just before baking.
· Freezing Instructions: Assemble without topping and freeze. Thaw overnight in refrigerator, add topping, and bake as directed.
· Variations:
· Add 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (thawed) for extra nutrition
· Substitute crushed potato chips or Ritz crackers for the cornflake topping
· Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor
· Mix in 1 cup frozen corn or broccoli florets
· Serving Suggestions:
· Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables
· Perfect for brunch with fresh fruit
· Great with a side of biscuits or dinner rolls

Storage and Reheating:

· Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days
· Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
· Reheating: Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

Enjoy this delicious, comforting casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!