A warm, creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish made with shredded chicken, crispy hashbrowns, melted cheese, and a savory creamy sauce—baked to golden perfection.
❤️ Why This Recipe is a Keeper
There are many reasons people keep coming back to this dish. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, feeding a crowd at a potluck, or just want a cozy make-ahead meal, Chicken Hashbrown Casserole delivers every time.
Here’s what makes it great:
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Uses simple, everyday ingredients
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Takes just 15 minutes of prep
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Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
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Comfort food at its finest—with lots of cheese
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Easily customizable—add veggies, spices, or other proteins
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a 9×13-inch casserole (serves 6–8 people):
Main Ingredients:
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3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
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1 (30 oz) bag frozen hashbrown potatoes (shredded or cubed, thawed)
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup milk
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional Toppings:
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1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers, mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
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Extra shredded cheese
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Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
🧄 Optional Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative with your casserole! Here are some optional add-ins to mix things up:
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1 cup cooked broccoli or peas
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½ cup diced red bell peppers or jalapeños
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1 cup chopped cooked bacon or ham
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1 teaspoon paprika or cajun seasoning for a little spice
🍳 Tools You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowl
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups/spoons
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Foil (for covering)
⏱️ Cooking Timeline
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: ~1 hour
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥣 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a thin layer of butter.
🍗 Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
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1 can of cream of chicken soup
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup milk
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Whisk together until it’s creamy and smooth. This is your flavorful sauce base that will coat every bit of chicken and potato.
🥔 Step 3: Add Chicken, Hashbrowns, and Cheese
Now stir in the heart of your casserole:
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3 cups of shredded cooked chicken
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1 (30 oz) bag of thawed hashbrowns
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1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Mix until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
💡 TIP: If your hashbrowns are still slightly frozen, that’s okay! Just extend the bake time by 5–10 minutes.
🧈 Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with your spoon or spatula.
🧀 Step 5: Add Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top.
If you’re using a crunchy topping (like crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers), mix 1 cup of crushed topping with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it evenly over the cheese.
🔥 Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until:
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The casserole is hot and bubbly
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The cheese is melted and golden
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The top is lightly browned and crispy
If you want extra browning on top, switch the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
🧺 Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set up and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Top with chopped parsley, chives, or green onions for color and freshness.
🍽️ How to Serve
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served for:
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Dinner: Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies
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Brunch: Great with eggs, toast, or fruit
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Potluck: Easy to transport and reheat
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Holiday breakfast or dinner side dish
Pair it with:
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Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots
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A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Gravy or extra sour cream on the side
❄️ Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers:
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Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
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Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Freezing:
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Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it.
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Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.
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Label and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 1 hour 15 minutes, or thaw overnight before baking as directed.
Reheating:
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Reheat individual portions in the microwave.
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Reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes.
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
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Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, cooked lentils, or veggie crumbles.
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Spicy kick: Add jalapeños, cayenne, or pepper jack cheese.
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More veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
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Different meat: Use turkey, ground beef, or chopped ham.
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No soup can? Make your own! Combine 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, ½ cup milk, ½ cup chicken broth, and seasonings to mimic a can of cream soup.
🧑🍳 Tips for the Best Casserole
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Don’t skip the resting time: It makes slicing and serving easier.
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Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor.
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Thaw hashbrowns for best texture—frozen will add moisture and require more bake time.
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Cheese blend: Mix mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar for a gooier, creamier melt.
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Double the recipe if you’re feeding a crowd—it disappears fast!
🥳 When to Serve This Dish
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Cozy weeknight dinners
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Sunday brunch
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Potluck gatherings
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Holiday breakfasts (like Christmas morning)
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Meal prep days
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When you want to eat something that just feels like a hug
🧾 Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
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Calories: 420–480
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Protein: 22g
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Carbs: 35g
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Fat: 25g
These values will vary based on cheese type, soup brand, and optional ingredients.
📌 Final Thoughts
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is one of those recipes that just never goes out of style. It’s the culinary equivalent of putting on your favorite sweater—warm, comforting, and always satisfying. Whether you’re prepping ahead for a busy week or serving guests for brunch, this casserole is sure to earn rave reviews.
It’s customizable, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy enough for beginners but delicious enough for pros. So, grab your favorite baking dish and get cooking—you’re going to love every bite.
