A Hearty Farmer’s Casserole with Chicken and Ham That Warms the Soul

Name: A Hearty Farmer’s Casserole with Chicken and Ham That Warms the Soul
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked chicken breast; 1 cup diced ham; 4 cups chopped green onions; 4 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 4 teaspoons black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the dish); 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 6 large eggs; 2 cups milk; 4 cups cubed bread

March 23, 2025

Recipes

There’s something about a cozy, filling breakfast that sets the tone for the whole day. For me, that dish is a farmer’s casserole with chicken and ham. It’s comforting, full of flavor, and has that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of rustic heartiness. I’ve made this for family brunches, lazy weekend mornings, and even meal prep when I know the week ahead will be hectic. It never disappoints, and everyone always comes back for seconds.

Why I Love This Farmer’s Casserole
I’ve tried many breakfast casseroles, but this one feels like a warm hug on a plate. Here’s why it works every time:

The combination of chicken and ham gives it depth and a deliciously savory flavor.
Eggs, milk, and cheese come together into a custard-like base that’s rich but not too heavy.
Frozen hash browns make it easy and quick without losing that homemade feel.
It’s highly adaptable — you can swap meats, cheeses, or veggies and still get something amazing.
It feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully, which makes leftovers a bonus instead of a chore.

Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 8 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes)

3 cups frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
1 cup diced ham
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
6 large eggs
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the dish)
Optional: red pepper flakes for a little kick, or diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

How I Make This Farmer’s Casserole (Step-by-Step)

Preheat and Prep
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, I lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Layer the Base
In the baking dish, I spread the thawed hash browns evenly along the bottom. I sprinkle just a bit of salt and pepper over them to make sure they’re seasoned from the start.
Add the Meats and Cheese
Next, I layer on the diced chicken breast and ham. The mix of these two meats makes every bite more flavorful. Then, I sprinkle on the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. This layer is where the casserole starts looking irresistible.
Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, I whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the magic that holds everything together. I pour it gently over the casserole layers, making sure it covers the entire dish.
Bake Until Golden and Set
I place the casserole in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The key is to look for a golden brown top and to make sure the center is set. A quick poke with a toothpick or knife should come out clean when it’s ready.
Let It Rest
Once it’s done baking, I let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This step helps everything firm up and makes slicing so much easier.

My Tips for the Perfect Farmer’s Casserole

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that adds extra flavor.
If you love a little heat, mix some pepper jack cheese with the cheddar or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
For a veggie boost, layer in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Make it ahead by assembling the casserole the night before and baking fresh in the morning.

What I Serve With This Farmer’s Casserole
This casserole is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with fresh sides for a complete meal:

A light fruit salad with berries and melon.
Freshly squeezed orange juice or a pitcher of mimosas for brunch gatherings.
Warm biscuits or buttered toast for anyone who wants something extra to soak up that cheesy goodness.
A simple side of roasted tomatoes or sautéed greens to brighten the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! After baking, I let it cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze. It reheats well in the oven or microwave.

Q: How do I make this dairy-free?
A: I’ve used unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free shredded cheese, and it still turns out fantastic. Just make sure to grease the pan well to avoid sticking.

Q: Can I substitute sausage for ham?
A: Absolutely. Cooked breakfast sausage adds a wonderful spice and pairs beautifully with the cheese and eggs.

Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Definitely. I make this on Sundays and portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts all week long.

Why This Farmer’s Casserole Should Be on Your Table
This casserole is everything I want in a hearty breakfast. It’s simple to make, full of rich, satisfying flavors, and perfect for feeding hungry mouths without stress. The mix of chicken and ham gives it a heartiness that’s balanced by the creamy eggs and sharp cheddar cheese. Whether it’s for a family brunch, a holiday breakfast, or a make-ahead meal for busy mornings, this casserole is a recipe I keep coming back to.

If you decide to give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Whether you stick to the basics or add your own twist, this casserole is all about comfort and flexibility — exactly what I want when gathering around the table with the people I love.