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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
- 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.
- Grease a 7-11 inch baking dish, then evenly distribute the prepared hash brown mixture across the surface.
- Create a crispy topping by blending crushed Ritz crackers with additional shredded cheddar cheese in a separate bowl.
- Sprinkle the cracker-cheese mixture uniformly over the casserole, providing a golden, crunchy layer.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook through.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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