Cozy Comfort: Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Comfort flows through every bite of this hearty chicken and hashbrown casserole that promises pure culinary warmth.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crispy potato edges in this classic dish.

Weeknight dinners demand something deliciously satisfying like this crowd-pleasing meal.

Home cooks adore simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between golden hashbrowns, creating a symphony of comfort on your plate.

Layers of cheese and savory seasonings elevate this casserole from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve this mouthwatering creation and watch smiles spread around the dinner table.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Thaw it completely and shred or chop it before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free if you want a gluten-free version.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Reasons To Love Comforting Chicken And Hashbrown Casserole

• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with protein from eggs, healthy fats from avocado, and iron-rich spinach, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of nutrients in one delicious bite.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust seasoning, or add extra herbs to match your taste preferences and make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Quick Meal Solution: Perfect for busy individuals seeking a speedy, nutritious lunch or light dinner that requires minimal cooking and preparation skills.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a standalone salad, spread on toast, stuff into sandwiches, or use as a protein-packed side dish for multiple meal scenarios.

Ingredients For Chicken And Hashbrown Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and succulent protein that provides the hearty base for this comforting casserole.

• Hashbrowns: Frozen shredded potatoes that create a crispy and satisfying foundation for the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup: Ingredients that add rich, smooth texture and enhance the overall creaminess of the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds depth of flavor and a golden, gooey topping.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that bring balanced and aromatic flavor to the casserole.

• Breadcrumbs, Crushed Crackers: Optional ingredients that provide an extra crispy texture to the casserole surface.

• Cooking Spray, Butter: Used to grease the casserole dish and prevent sticking.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken And Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to toasty 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or brush with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Delicious Base

• Tender cooked chicken
• Thawed hashbrowns
• Tangy sour cream
• Creamy chicken soup
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients become best friends and create a mouthwatering blend.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Pour the chickeny-hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure every corner gets some love.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Cheesy Topping

Shower the top with remaining cheddar cheese.

For extra crunch, scatter breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden-brown blanket.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull out the casserole and let it rest for a few minutes.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your ultimate comfort food!

Helpful Tips To Perfect Chicken And Hashbrown Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or turkey for a quick protein boost and easy meal prep.
• Mix in frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add color to the casserole.
• Choose low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes before sprinkling on top for an extra-crunchy golden layer that adds delightful texture.
• Prepare the casserole in advance, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal planning.

Creative Twists To Try With Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

• Vegetarian Hashbrown Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable cream soup for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute hashbrowns with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb, keto-friendly casserole option.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern-style casserole.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the casserole's richness, balancing its creamy texture with bright, zesty notes.
• Create Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm casserole and add nutritional balance.
• Match with Tangy Coleslaw: Prepare a crunchy, tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing to complement the casserole's creamy profile and add textural variety.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a light lager or wheat beer that cleanses the palate and enhances the casserole's savory flavors without overwhelming the dish.

Tips To Store Chicken And Hashbrown Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Comforting Chicken And Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crispy potatoes create a satisfying meal that warms both heart and soul.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 package (567 grams / 20 ounces) frozen hashbrowns (thawed)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup (homemade or store-bought)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cooked chicken, thawed hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until ingredients are uniformly combined.
3. Evenly distribute the chicken and hashbrown mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a smooth, consistent layer.
4. Generously scatter the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer.
5. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and completely melted, bubbling cheese.
6. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, enabling the ingredients to set and cool slightly before serving.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this creamy chicken and hashbrown casserole.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by swapping chicken with turkey or ham for a different protein twist that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising on delicious flavor.
• Boost nutrition by adding frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli directly into the mixture for extra vitamins and color.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the final cheese topping, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for a convenient make-ahead meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg