Introduction
10 Best Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe – Creamy & Cheesy Comfort Food
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There’s something magical about casseroles. They have a way of bringing people together around the dinner table, filling the house with cozy aromas, and delivering that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty goodness. One of the all-time favorites in this category is Hashbrown Chicken Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of family potlucks, Sunday dinners, or those busy weeknights when you just need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Frozen hashbrowns, cooked chicken, sour cream, and cheese come together in one dish that’s baked until bubbly and golden. It’s budget-friendly, easy to assemble, and versatile enough to adapt with your favorite add-ins like broccoli, spinach, or crispy bacon.
I still remember the first time I had this casserole at a church potluck. I went back for seconds (and maybe thirds) because it was just that good—creamy, cheesy layers with crispy hashbrowns on top and juicy chicken tucked inside. From that moment on, it became a regular in my home cooking rotation.
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And if you’re a fan of hearty dishes, you’ll also love this classic Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe that offers the same cozy, comforting flavors.
Ingredients for Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
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For the Casserole:
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3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
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30 oz frozen shredded hashbrown potatoes (thawed)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for variety)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
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½ cup diced onion (optional)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (for crunch)
Optional Add-Ins:
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Chopped broccoli or spinach
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Cooked and crumbled bacon
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Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions for Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure your hashbrowns are fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess water in the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, hashbrowns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar, onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
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Step 3: Assemble
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Top with more shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.
Step 4: Add the Crunch
Mix the melted butter with the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly on top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if you’d like.
Tips & Variations
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Veggie Boost: Add chopped broccoli, spinach, or peas for a healthier twist.
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Bacon Lovers: Fold in crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
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Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack for extra kick.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Love hearty comfort food? You’ll want to try this cozy Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe alongside your casserole for the ultimate comfort meal.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
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Pair with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
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Add roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
And if you’re craving dessert, why not pair it with these melt-in-your-mouth Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies? The contrast of savory casserole and sweet cookies makes for a perfect combo.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Time & Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Servings: 6–8
Tools Used
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Mixing bowls
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Spatula
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Cheese grater
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Measuring cups & spoons
FAQ
Q1: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes! Just shred them and squeeze out the excess moisture with a towel before using.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q3: Can I make it lighter?
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese for a healthier version.
Final Thoughts
This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s budget-friendly, easy to throw together, and guaranteed to be loved by the whole family. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, a potluck, or just on a chilly weeknight, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes.
For more inspiration on classic casseroles, check out this collection of best casserole recipes from AllRecipes. And don’t forget to browse other cozy dishes on Tinsuf for recipes that make every meal memorable.