Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

 

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole: A Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Classic

When you're craving a hearty, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes — creamy, cheesy, crispy, and comforting — look no further than Hashbrown Chicken Casserole. This timeless dish blends tender shredded chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection under a golden, cheesy topping.

Perfect for busy weeknights, weekend brunches, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is as easy to make as it is to love. Plus, it’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• 🐔 Protein-packed: With shredded chicken as the star, it’s filling and hearty.

• 🧀 Creamy and cheesy: Loaded with gooey cheese and a velvety sauce.

• 🥔 Hashbrown magic: The crispy, golden hashbrowns create an irresistible texture.

• 🕒 Quick and easy: Uses pantry staples and frozen hashbrowns for fast assembly.

• 🎉 Perfect for sharing: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 1 (20–24 oz) bag frozen hashbrown potatoes (thawed)

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped (optional for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional topping: crushed buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or extra cheese

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How to Make It

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Mix the Casserole Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and chopped onion (if using). Stir in the shredded chicken, hashbrowns, and cheese until well mixed.

3. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese or your choice of topping over the top.

4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

• Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

• Top with scallions or chives for a fresh finish.

• Pair with biscuits or cornbread for a true comfort food feast.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• 🧊 To Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• ❄️ To Freeze: Freeze before baking (tightly wrapped), then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

• 🥡 To Store Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.

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Variations to Try

• Add vegetables: Mix in peas, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Swap proteins: Use turkey, ground beef, or plant-based chicken alternatives.

• Go deluxe: Add crumbled bacon, green onions, or a crunchy French onion topping.

• Low-fat version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese without sacrificing flavor.

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Final Thoughts

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — warm, filling, and loaded with crave-worthy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, feeding a crowd, or just making something cozy for yourself, this casserole delivers satisfaction with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients, easy prep, and pure comfort — what more could you want in a meal?