Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This hashbrown chicken casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy cheese topping, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (30‑oz) package frozen hashbrown potatoes
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 (10.5‑oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cooked chicken if needed. Pat the frozen hashbrowns with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 3: Add the shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese to the sauce, folding gently until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Spread the dried hashbrowns evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon the chicken and sauce mixture over the hashbrowns and smooth the top.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. If the cheese browns too fast, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor twist.
- Mix in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added vegetables.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
While fresh potatoes can be used, frozen hashbrowns save time and provide a consistent texture. If using fresh, grate and squeeze out excess moisture before assembling.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
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Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish combining tender shredded chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it blends savory flavors with textures that please the palate, making it a timeless classic casserole recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup finely diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions
Base and Topping
- 1 (30-oz) package frozen hashbrown potatoes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about ¾ cup)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. If your cooked chicken is not already shredded, shred it now. Pat the frozen hashbrowns dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture during baking.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, whole milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. Allow this sauce mixture to sit for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine chicken and cheese with sauce: Add the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and cheese.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the dried hashbrowns at the bottom of the dish. Spoon the chicken and sauce mixture evenly over the hashbrowns and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese along with the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole surface.
- Bake and finish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top turns a deep golden brown. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, tent the casserole loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning. After baking, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Finally, garnish with the chopped fresh chives or green onions before serving to add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Patting the hashbrowns dry is crucial to avoid a soggy casserole.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist and additional protein.
- Using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the depth of flavor but mild cheddar works well too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinners
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hashbrown chicken casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal
