This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With shredded chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, thawed hashbrowns, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color, if desired.
Tips for the Best Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
- Use Fresh or Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover baked or grilled chicken works just as well.
- Customize the Cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- Crispy Topping Tip: Use cornflakes instead of crackers for an extra-crispy crust.
Why You’ll Love It
This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is:
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious sauce coats every bite.
- Cheesy and Satisfying: The perfect combination of cheese and potatoes.
- Simple to Make: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy with a cool, refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade.