Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Recipe
Introduction
Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and a crispy cheesy topping, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying classic.
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 any 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, whole milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the mixture rest for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the shredded chicken and half of the shredded 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-sauce mixture over the hashbrowns and smooth the top.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the surface.
- Step 6: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until edges bubble and the cheese topping is deep golden-brown. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, use thawed hashbrowns and press them firmly into the baking dish before adding the sauce.
- Add vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for more flavor and nutrition.
- Use smoked cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat milk.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the cheese topping from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes, you can shred fresh potatoes and pat them dry before using. Just ensure they are well drained to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a few hours or even a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake it fresh when ready to serve. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Print
Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole recipe is a comforting, classic dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Baked to golden perfection and topped with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, it’s an easy, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 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 (for garnish)
Hashbrown Base and Topping
- 1 (30-oz) package frozen hashbrown potatoes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prep ingredients: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the onion finely, mince the garlic cloves, and shred any cooked chicken if not already prepared. Pat the frozen hashbrowns with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they bake up crispy.
- 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 smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow this mixture to rest for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine chicken and cheese with sauce: Add the shredded chicken and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the creamy sauce. Fold gently to coat the chicken evenly without breaking it apart.
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the dried hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the dish. Spoon the chicken and sauce mixture over the hashbrowns and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
- Bake and finish: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh chives or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- Patting the hashbrowns dry helps achieve a crispier texture in the baked casserole.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheesy flavor; mild cheddar can be substituted but will yield a subtler taste.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
- If you want to add a crunchy topping, sprinkle some crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hashbrown casserole, chicken casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, baked casserole, easy dinner recipe
