Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe

 This hearty, all-in-one casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy hash browns under a golden, cheesy topping, it's a simple, satisfying dish perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner.

• ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes

• ⏰ Bake Time: 45-50 minutes

• 🍽️ Servings: 8

🧂 INGREDIENTS

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

• 1 package (30 oz) frozen shredded hash browns, thawed

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• ½ cup finely chopped onion

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In a very large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and melted butter until smooth.

• Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Combine the Casserole:

• To the sauce, add the shredded chicken, thawed hash browns, chopped onion, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble and Top:

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. For a crunchy topping, evenly sprinkle the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs over the cheese.

5. Bake:

• Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for easier scooping. Serve warm.

💡 Pro-Tips & Variations:

• Shortcut Chicken: A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the easiest way to get perfectly cooked, flavorful shredded chicken for this recipe.

• Thaw Hash Browns: For the best texture and even cooking, be sure to thaw the hash browns completely. You can spread them on a baking sheet for 30-60 minutes to speed up the process.

• Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in other vegetables like thawed frozen peas, corn, or diced broccoli florets.

• Make it Your Own: Swap the cheddar for Colby Jack, pepper jack (for a kick), or a Swiss cheese blend. You can also use all cream of chicken soup if you prefer.