Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

• Yields: 6-8 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

• Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American

• Diet: easily adaptable to Gluten-Free

• Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

• Intensity: Low Effort. This is a simple “mix and bake” recipe with minimal active cooking time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

(Pro-Tip: For the best flavor and texture, use a block of cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.)

For the Casserole Base:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1.5 lbs) [See Notes for easy options]

• 1 (30 oz) package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed [See Notes]

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1 cup (8 oz) sour cream, at room temperature

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup [See Notes for gluten-free option]

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups cornflakes, lightly crushed [See Alternatives]

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

• The remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté (5-7 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. This step is crucial for building a sweet, savory base flavor. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce (5 minutes)
In a very large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Whisk them together until smooth and well-combined. Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine the Casserole (5 minutes)
To the same large bowl with the sauce, add the thawed hash browns, cooked chicken, sautéed onions, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to mix everything together until every component is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and Top (2 minutes)
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out into a smooth, even layer.
In a small bowl, combine the lightly crushed cornflakes with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with the buttery cornflakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection (45-50 minutes)
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be bubbly and the topping to be a deep golden brown. The casserole should be heated all the way through.

Step 6: Rest and Serve (5-10 minutes)
This is a vital step! Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it much easier to slice and serve neat portions. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

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Chef’s Notes & Variations

• The Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, leftover baked or grilled chicken, or poach 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through.

• Hash Browns: It’s important that the hash browns are thawed. If they are frozen, they will release too much water and make the casserole soupy. The easiest way to thaw them is to leave the bag in the refrigerator overnight, or spread them on a baking sheet at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use certified gluten-free frozen hash browns and replace the canned soups with gluten-free cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup alternatives (available in most grocery stores).

• Topping Alternatives: Don’t have cornflakes? You can use 2 cups of crushed Ritz crackers, potato chips, French fried onions, or even just an extra layer of cheese for the topping.

• Add-Ins: Feel free to add 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (thawed), a 4-oz can of diced green chiles, or some crispy, crumbled bacon to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions:

  • Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely (without baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, recover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 30-40 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

  • Freezing: Assemble the casserole (topping and all) in a freezer-safe dish. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, do not thaw. Bake covered at 350°F for 60-75 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until hot and the topping is crisp.

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a hearty meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness.

• Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.

• A side of fresh fruit for a sweet contrast.

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Nutrition Information

(Please note: The following is an estimated nutritional calculation generated by an online tool. For precise dietary needs, it’s best to calculate using the exact brands and ingredients you use.)

Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
Calories: ~485
Total Fat: 27g

• Saturated Fat: 13g
  Cholesterol: 95mg
  Sodium: ~850mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 32g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 4g
  Protein: 28g

Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients you use and any modifications you make. For example, using low-fat dairy products or reducing the cheese will alter these values.

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The Last Bite: A Recipe for Connection

This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a recipe for connection. It’s the dish you make when you need a hug from the inside, when you want to nourish your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen, and when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, cheesy, savory goodness is a universal language of comfort. So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a new family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creation and any fun variations you try