Hash Brown Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This comforting Hash Brown Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and cheesy hash browns for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

A white plate holds a square serving of baked casserole with three visible layers: the top layer is golden and crispy, made of crushed cracker crumbs with an orange melted cheese beneath it; the middle layer shows mixed vegetables with green beans and carrots, soft and cooked; the bottom layer is creamy and light yellow, likely a cheesy or creamy sauce that binds the dish together. Part of a white casserole dish filled with the same casserole is visible in the top right corner, placed on a brown textured mat with a blue and white checkered cloth next to it. A silver fork rests beside the plate on a smooth white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup OR approx. 2 cups homemade cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 26-ounce package of frozen shredded hash browns
  • 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Step 3: Stir in the frozen hash browns, cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix gently until combined.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then spread the crushed Ritz crackers on top of the cheese.
  5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use homemade cream of chicken soup for a fresher flavor and less sodium.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or beans.
  • Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicy twist.
  • Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or paprika to the mixture for added depth of flavor.
  • Crush the crackers finely for an even topping or leave them chunkier for more texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The top layer is golden brown with melted cheese, showing bits of red from diced tomatoes and green herbs sprinkled throughout. One scoop has been taken out with a spoon, revealing creamy white sauce mixed with pasta strands and bits of chicken underneath the cheese layer. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Bake it when ready, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely. If using fresh vegetables, lightly steam or sauté them first to prevent excess moisture from making the casserole soggy.

Print

Hash Brown Chicken Casserole Recipe

This classic Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Featuring shredded hash browns, tender cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping, it bakes to golden perfection and delivers rich flavors with a satisfying texture.

  • Author: Sienna
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Casserole Base

  • 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup OR approx. 2 cups homemade cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 26-ounce package frozen shredded hash browns
  • 2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 (12 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables

Cheese and Topping

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Season this creamy mixture with salt and black pepper to your taste preferences.
  3. Add Main Ingredients: Gently fold in the shredded hash browns, cooked chicken, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the frozen mixed vegetables. Mix just until everything is evenly combined without breaking up the hash browns too much.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by a generous layer of crushed Ritz crackers to add a crunchy finish.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 hour. The casserole should be bubbly, the cheese melted, and the cracker topping golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps it set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade version for a fresher taste and to control ingredients.
  • Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Ensure hash browns are fully thawed to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Ritz cracker topping can be replaced with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for variation.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Keywords: hash brown casserole, cheesy casserole, chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole

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