Description
This Comforting Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender cooked chicken with crispy hashbrowns, rich sour cream, and savory cream of chicken soup, all baked to golden perfection with a cheesy, crunchy topping. Easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table, this casserole is a warm and hearty meal that brings comfort with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 package (20 ounces) frozen hashbrowns (thawed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added crunch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, thawed hashbrowns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed and well incorporated.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the chicken and hashbrown mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to form a uniform layer for consistent cooking.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole. If you prefer extra texture and crunch, sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the top turns a beautiful golden brown color, indicating it is fully heated through and deliciously cooked.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and prevents burns. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this hearty casserole.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced onions or green peppers to the casserole mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheddar cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To make a gluten-free version, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free crackers.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
