Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. This easy-to-make casserole combines the savory flavors of shredded chicken, creamy ingredients, and the satisfying texture of crispy hashbrowns. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will love.

It’s a great way to use up leftovers and brings together all your favorite ingredients in one warm, cheesy dish. Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of this crowd-pleasing recipe!

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

2 lb. Southern-style frozen hashbrowns

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup frozen peas and carrots

2 cups sour cream

½ cup canned corn, drained

1 can cream of chicken soup

3 cups shredded chicken

⅓ cup milk

2 cups bread crumbs

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Place the hashbrowns at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients, except for the bread crumbs, and mix until well blended.

Spread the mixture over the layer of hashbrowns.

Top the dish with bread crumbs and bake for 1 hour.

Enjoy your meal!

Notes:

Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out the frozen peas and carrots for other frozen vegetables like broccoli, corn, or green beans to suit your taste.

Cheese Choices: While cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.

Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Gluten-Free Option: To make it gluten-free, substitute the bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or omit them entirely.

Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy topping, you can mix some melted butter with the bread crumbs before sprinkling them on top.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes! Simply peel and grate them, then par-cook them in boiling water for about 5 minutes to soften before layering in the casserole.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.

Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt or a cream cheese mixture as a substitute.

Both will add creaminess to the casserole.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

It should keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños, adding hot sauce to the mixture, or using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Adjust the spices to your preference for a customized kick!

How long does it take to prepare this casserole?

Preparation time is about 15-20 minutes, and then you’ll need to bake it for 1 hour.

Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.

What should I do if the top browns too quickly?

If the top starts to brown too quickly while baking, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the rest of the dish cooks through.

Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute shredded turkey, ham, or even cooked sausage for the chicken.

Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the mix.

Do I need to thaw the hashbrowns before using them?

No, you don’t need to thaw the frozen hashbrowns.

They can be used directly from the freezer, which helps keep the casserole’s texture.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.

If you have a larger batch, you can use two smaller dishes to ensure even cooking.