A Comforting Family Favorite That Never Disappoints
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 to 10
Few dishes capture the essence of comfort food quite like a hearty casserole. The Classic Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a perfect example—creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and easy enough for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. With a crispy hashbrown base and a rich, savory filling, this casserole is everything you want when feeding a hungry crowd or craving a taste of something familiar and cozy.
Whether served at a potluck, church gathering, or your own kitchen table, this dish delivers every time.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole succeeds because it balances creamy richness with texture and heartiness. The frozen hashbrowns form a solid, slightly crisp foundation. The shredded chicken adds substance. A combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheese makes the filling irresistibly creamy. And the golden breadcrumb topping? That’s the crunchy finish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
2 pounds frozen southern-style hashbrowns (do not thaw)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
½ cup canned corn, drained
2 cups sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 ounces)
3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftovers work well)
⅓ cup milk
2 cups breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
Paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for seasoning
Crumbled bacon or diced ham
Chopped green onions
Diced jalapeños for heat
Grated Parmesan mixed with the breadcrumbs for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the filling bubbles and the top turns beautifully golden.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly across the bottom of the dish. No need to thaw them—this recipe is designed for convenience.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, frozen peas and carrots, canned corn, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, and milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed.
If you’re adding any optional ingredients like cooked bacon, jalapeños, or seasonings, fold them in at this stage.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the filling mixture over the hashbrowns in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, making sure the entire surface is covered.
5. Add the Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the casserole. If you’d like an extra crispy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter or grated Parmesan before adding them.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy warm, ideally with a simple side salad or a piece of garlic bread.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To make ahead: Assemble the casserole (unbaked), cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.
To freeze: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
To store leftovers: Cover the cooled casserole with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Ways to Customize
This casserole is flexible and forgiving. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the filling.
Switch the protein: Try cooked turkey, diced ham, or even leftover roast beef.
Try different cheeses: Use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a twist.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli instead.
Why It Belongs in Your Recipe Box
This casserole is a true classic—simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. It brings comfort and convenience together in a single dish, making it a dependable go-to for busy families, meal preppers, and potluck lovers alike.
Whether you’re cooking for your household or a whole group, the Classic Hashbrown Chicken Casserole delivers that warm, satisfying feeling of a home-cooked meal made with love.
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