Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Combining tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and cheesy goodness, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
• 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• ¼ cup bacon bits
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
• ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

• 12–14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, diced chicken, bacon bits, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried thyme. Stir until everything is well mixed.
3. Step 3: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the dish.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
• For extra flavor, sauté onions or garlic before adding to the mixture.
• Swap the mixed vegetables for your favorite veggies like broccoli or peas.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute crushed gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds for the topping.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crisp, or microwave until hot but the topping may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen?

Yes, but be sure to dry the fresh potatoes well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender cooked chicken, crispy hash browns, mixed vegetables, and creamy cheddar cheese topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker and cheese crust. It’s baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect family-friendly meal or potluck favorite.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
• 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• ¼ cup bacon bits
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
• ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

Topping

• 12–14 Ritz crackers, about half a sleeve, crushed
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly thawed hash browns, diced cooked chicken, bacon bits, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried thyme. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch baking dish (or a similarly sized dish) to prevent sticking. Spread the hash brown and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared dish, smoothing the top.
4. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for a crunchy, cheesy crust.
5. Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes to allow the casserole to cook through and flavors to meld.
6. Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Rest and Serve: Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps it to set for easier serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken hashbrown casserole warm!

Notes

• You can substitute cooked turkey for chicken if preferred.
• Use low-fat milk or cream of chicken soup for a lighter version.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the mixture.
• Make sure to thaw the frozen hash browns and vegetables slightly to ensure even cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: chicken casserole, hashbrown casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole, cheesy casserole