Creamy, cheesy, and hearty—this Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with all the right flavors and textures, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies and fills you up in the best way possible. If you’re a fan of easy-to-make casseroles with minimal effort but maximum taste, this is one you’ll want to try!
Ingredients
1 (30 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup crushed cornflakes or buttery crackers (optional topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir in the shredded chicken and thawed hash browns until everything is well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or crackers) with the melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Variations
Add veggies: I love sneaking in some vegetables like peas or broccoli to boost the nutrition of this casserole. Just make sure to steam or cook them beforehand so they don’t release too much moisture into the dish.
Swap the cheese: If I’m feeling adventurous, I can switch out the cheddar cheese for a different type like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Make it spicy: For a little heat, adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can really elevate the dish.
Storage/reheating
Storage: This casserole keeps really well in the fridge. I just cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: It’s also freezer-friendly. I can wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freeze the entire casserole in a freezer-safe dish. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, I simply bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If frozen, I allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?
I recommend using cooked chicken for this recipe, but if I have frozen chicken breasts, I can cook them in the oven or on the stove and shred them for the casserole. It will still work great!
Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes! While cream of chicken is traditional, I could also try using cream of mushroom or even a cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor.
How do I make this dish more kid-friendly?
If I want to make this dish more appealing to kids, I can leave out the onion and maybe add in some mild cheese like mozzarella. I could even omit the cornflakes topping if they’re not a fan of crunchy bits.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be! I just need to make sure I use gluten-free cornflakes or crackers for the topping, and double-check that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. There are several brands that offer gluten-free versions of both.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! I can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven as directed. It might need an extra few minutes in the oven since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole is my go-to recipe for a quick, comforting, and satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy. Whether I’m in a rush or just want something that’s easy to prepare, this dish has all the delicious flavors I crave. Plus, it’s so versatile—whether I’m feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week ahead, it never disappoints!
