Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, creamy soup, and melted cheddar cheese, all topped with a crunchy layer of Ritz crackers. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy and filling meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use up leftover chicken, making it a great option for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and delicious with minimal effort. Packed with vegetables, protein, and carbs, Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a complete meal on its own or can be served alongside a simple salad or bread. It’s the kind of dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With basic pantry staples like frozen hashbrowns, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, you probably have most of the ingredients on hand.

2. Quick and Easy

This casserole comes together quickly and bakes in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

3. Comforting and Filling

The combination of hashbrowns, chicken, and cheese makes for a hearty meal that will leave everyone full and satisfied.

4. Kid-Friendly

This dish is sure to be a hit with kids thanks to its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors.

5. Customizable

You can add your favorite vegetables or use different types of cheese to make it your own. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily modified to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

3 cups frozen hashbrowns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
2-3 cups cooked chicken, diced
1/4 cup bacon bits
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Topping:

12-14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

Vegetable Swap: If you prefer other vegetables, feel free to substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with peas, carrots, or even spinach.
Use Ham Instead of Chicken: Swap the chicken for diced ham for a slightly different flavor profile.
Add More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese or try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, diced chicken, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, thawed mixed vegetables, and dried thyme. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly in the dish to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.

Step 3: Add the Topping

In a small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle them evenly over the casserole mixture. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy finish.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Serve

Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Thaw the Hashbrowns: Let the hashbrowns thaw slightly so they bake more evenly in the casserole.
Even Layering: Be sure to spread the casserole mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure uniform cooking and crisping of the topping.
Customize the Topping: You can also top the casserole with French fried onions instead of Ritz crackers for an added crunch and flavor.
Check for Doneness: If the top isn’t golden brown after 30 minutes, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes for a crispier finish.

How to Serve

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a variety of sides to make it even more satisfying:

Green Salad: A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the richness of the casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for an extra comforting touch.
Steamed Veggies: If you’d like to add more vegetables, steamed broccoli or green beans would be a great addition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?

Yes, you can use diced fresh potatoes, but they may take longer to cook. Make sure to par-cook them before adding them to the casserole for even cooking.

2. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with another type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer a different flavor.

3. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra veggies like corn, peas, or bell peppers to suit your tastes.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and bacon and add more vegetables to make a vegetarian version of this casserole.

6. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. You can also insert a knife into the center, and it should come out hot.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can swap the cheddar cheese for any other cheese you like, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda.

8. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

Yes, you can use a smaller baking dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly as it may cook faster in a smaller pan.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for a little extra heat.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly if you use a larger pan or a thicker layer of casserole.

Conclusion

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is both easy to make and sure to satisfy. With a creamy base, savory chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a golden, cheesy topping, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy the simplicity and heartiness of this flavorful dish!