There are some dishes that just scream “comfort,” wrapping you in a warm, cheesy hug with every bite. Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is definitely one of them. This incredible dish takes crispy hashbrowns, tender chicken, and a creamy, savory sauce, all baked together under a blanket of bubbly, melted cheese. It’s the ultimate easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or even a potluck where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’m always on the lookout for dishes that deliver big flavor without a lot of fuss, and this casserole hits every mark. What I absolutely adore about this Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is its unbeatable combination of textures and flavors. You get the crispy edges of the hashbrowns, the tender chicken, and that rich, creamy sauce all tied together with gooey cheese. It’s incredibly forgiving, meaning it’s hard to mess up, and it’s a complete meal in one dish, which makes cleanup a breeze. This casserole is truly a staple in my home; it’s warm, satisfying, and always gets rave reviews from everyone at the table!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (or a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend)
• 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or butter crackers (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)

Swaps and Notes

• Hashbrowns: Make sure your frozen hashbrowns are completely thawed. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy. You can use shredded or diced hashbrowns.
• Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver here. You can also boil and shred chicken breasts or use leftover cooked chicken. For other great chicken options, check out my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Cream Soups: The combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom creates a rich, savory base. You can use two cans of the same type if you prefer. Low-sodium versions work well too.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds a wonderful tang and creaminess. Plain Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option.
• Milk: Whole milk will yield the creamiest result, but 2% milk is also fine.
• Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but a cheddar-Monterey Jack blend or even a Colby Jack blend will give you a great melty, flavorful top.
• Topping (Optional): The crushed cornflakes or butter crackers mixed with melted butter add an extra layer of delicious crunch. If you prefer just cheese, you can skip this.
• Veggies: Feel free to sauté some diced bell peppers or onions with the chicken (if cooking from raw) before adding to the mix for extra veggies.

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup milk. Whisk until completely smooth and well combined.
3. Add Seasoning & Chicken: Stir in the 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and black pepper to taste into the creamy mixture. Add the 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken and mix well to coat.
4. Add Hashbrowns: Gently fold in the 2 lbs thawed shredded hashbrowns into the chicken and cream mixture. Stir until the hashbrowns are evenly coated.
5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hashbrown mixture.
7. Add Crunchy Topping (Optional): If using, in a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup crushed cornflakes or butter crackers and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
8. Bake: Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese is melted and golden brown (and the topping is crispy if using).
9. Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

Enjoy your incredibly comforting Hashbrown Chicken Casserole!

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Tips for Success

• Thaw Hashbrowns: Don’t skip thawing the hashbrowns! This ensures they cook evenly and integrate well into the casserole.
• Drain Chicken (if applicable): If you’re cooking fresh chicken, make sure it’s not overly wet before shredding or dicing, as excess moisture can make the casserole watery.
• Season Well: Taste your creamy mixture before adding the hashbrowns. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
• Don’t Cover: Baking this casserole uncovered allows the top to get wonderfully crispy and golden, especially the cheese and any crunchy topping.
• Resting Period: A short rest after baking helps the casserole set, preventing it from being too loose when served.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a complete meal, perfect on its own. It’s hearty enough for a main course, but it also makes a fantastic side dish for a holiday brunch or dinner. To balance its richness, pair it with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or a side of roasted broccoli. For other easy, family-friendly casseroles, you might also like my This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Hashbrown Chicken Casserole stores beautifully. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover with foil and bake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm. If the casserole seems a bit dry upon reheating, you can add a tiny splash of milk or broth. This casserole is also an excellent make-ahead option; assemble it completely, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the total baking time if baking from cold.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you love hearty, cheesy, and easy-to-make comfort food, here are some other Chefmaniac favorites:

• For another crowd-pleasing chicken dish, check out Easy Cheese Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive.
• If you’re looking for another comforting one-dish meal that cooks up fast, try This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast.
• And for a lighter, tangier chicken option, explore A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave And There’s No Mayo In Sight.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a true winner – simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and packed with flavors that everyone loves. It’s the perfect solution for busy nights or when you need a dependable, comforting meal that feeds a hungry crowd. Give it a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

What are your favorite ways to use frozen hashbrowns in a casserole? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac.com for more delicious recipes!