Cozy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe: Family-Favorite Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable chicken hashbrown casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Cheesy layers meld perfectly with tender chicken and crispy potato shreds.

Families adore this hearty dish for its simplicity and incredible flavor profile.

One-pan magic happens when ingredients combine in unexpected ways.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crunchy potato edges, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Buckle up for a culinary adventure that will make you the kitchen hero among loved ones.

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole That Brings Comfort Home

• Craft a Comforting Meal: Combine hearty ingredients like chicken, hash browns, and mixed vegetables into one satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this casserole a perfect solution for busy families wanting a delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Layers: The crunchy Ritz cracker topping and melted cheese provide exciting textures that transform a basic casserole into a restaurant-worthy experience kids and adults will love.
• Maximize Nutritional Balance: Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables for nutrients, and dairy for calcium, this recipe delivers a well-rounded meal in a single baking dish.

Ingredients To Whip Up Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

• Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes that form the hearty base of the casserole.
• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, creamy texture and sharp taste throughout the casserole.

• Turkey Bacon Bits: Adds smoky crunch and extra protein to the dish.
• Mixed Vegetables: Brings color, nutrition, and balanced flavor to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that holds the casserole together.
• Thyme: Adds an herbal, earthy note to enhance overall flavor.

• Ritz Crackers, Extra Cheddar Cheese: Provides a crispy, golden-brown crust with additional cheesy richness.

How To Prepare Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). This will create the perfect cooking environment for our delicious comfort dish.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Crispy hashbrowns
• Tender cooked chicken
• Crisp turkey bacon bits
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Colorful mixed vegetables
• Creamy cream of chicken soup
• Smooth milk
• Fragrant thyme

Stir everything together until the ingredients are beautifully blended and dancing with flavor.

Step 3: Build the Casserole Foundation

Grab a 7×11-inch baking dish and give it a light grease.

Spread the hashbrown mixture evenly across the dish, creating a delectable base.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Extra cheddar cheese

Sprinkle this golden, crispy mixture over the casserole, creating a mouthwatering crown.

Step 5: First Baking Phase

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes, letting the flavors meld and develop.

Step 6: Final Crispy Touch

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Rest and Devour

Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors settle and makes cutting and serving a breeze.

Dig in and enjoy every single bite!

Tips To Master Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Swap frozen mixed vegetables with fresh seasonal veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• Lightly toast Ritz crackers before crushing to intensify their buttery crunch and add more texture to the casserole.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations To Mix Up Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup, and add extra mixed vegetables for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch: Swap hash browns with riced cauliflower, use almond flour crackers for topping, and add extra lean protein like diced turkey breast for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy casserole and cut through its hearty flavors.

Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole’s richness and add a zesty, refreshing contrast.

Serve dill pickle spears or quick-pickled cucumber slices to provide a sharp, acidic note that enhances the dish’s creamy texture.

Choose a light amber ale or wheat beer to match the casserole’s robust profile and cleanse the palate between bites.

Storing Chicken Hashbrown Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp up topping and restore original texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use frozen hash browns. Thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the Ritz crackers contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

• Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile.

• What type of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or shredded chicken breasts are excellent choices for this recipe. Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded before mixing.

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken hashbrown casserole delivers pure midwestern charm with creamy layers of hearty ingredients. Golden cheese-topped goodness promises a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious, homestyle bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1/4 cup turkey bacon bits

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Starches:

• 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
• 1/2 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
• 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

Topping:

• 1/2 1/4 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Combine hash browns, cooked chicken, turkey bacon bits, cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and thyme in a large mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Grease a 7-11 inch baking dish, then evenly distribute the prepared hash brown mixture across the surface.
4. Create a crispy topping by blending crushed Ritz crackers with additional shredded cheddar cheese in a separate bowl.
5. Sprinkle the cracker-cheese mixture uniformly over the casserole, providing a golden, crunchy layer.
6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook through.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes until the topping transforms into a rich, golden-brown crust and the casserole becomes bubbly.
8. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish maintain its structure and enhances flavor integration.
9. Serve the casserole warm, enjoying the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Swap frozen hash browns for fresh, grated potatoes to boost flavor and texture with a homemade touch.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of milk for a protein-packed, tangier version that cuts calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Experiment with gluten-free alternatives like crushed pork rinds or almond flour for the topping to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining crunch.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to elevate the dish’s flavor profile and give a subtle, warming kick to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 345 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg