Comforting Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole

If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and comforting, this Comforting Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole has your back. Picture this: tender chunks of chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all baked together into a perfect casserole. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a big, cozy blanket after a long day. It’s just as easy to make as it is delicious—definitely a weeknight winner, and trust me, it’ll soon become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love Comforting Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole

Comfort Food at Its Best

This casserole is pure comfort food—the creamy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth chicken make it the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or when you’re just in need of something satisfying.

Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, you can have this comforting casserole ready in no time. No fancy techniques or hours of prep work needed here—just easy, straightforward steps.

All-in-One Meal

The beauty of this casserole is that it’s an all-in-one meal. You’ve got your protein, your carbs, and all the cheesy goodness you could ask for, making it the perfect thing to serve with a simple side salad or some veggies.

Versatile & Customizable

Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you’ve got in the kitchen. You can add veggies like peas, corn, or even broccoli to make it your own. And if you love extra cheese, you can layer it on top for that perfect cheesy, golden finish.

Ingredients for Comforting Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole

For the Casserole:

• Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy chicken that’s the perfect protein base for this dish. You can use leftover cooked chicken for a quicker option!
• Frozen Hashbrowns: The key to that crispy, comforting texture. You can use cubed or shredded hashbrowns based on your preference.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy, comforting base that pulls everything together. It makes the casserole luscious and rich.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy touch to balance out the richness, making every bite even more satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and utterly delicious when baked into the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.

For the Topping:

• French Fried Onions: These add an irresistible crunch to the top, giving a nice contrast to the soft, creamy casserole underneath.
• Additional Cheddar Cheese: For that extra layer of gooey cheese goodness.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Hashbrowns

1. If using raw chicken breast, dice it into small bite-sized pieces. If you’re using cooked chicken, just shred or chop it into pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken with the frozen hashbrowns.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and hashbrowns. Stir everything together until the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
2. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

1. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, making sure to cover the entire surface for that cheesy, gooey texture.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Add the Topping

1. Once the casserole is golden and bubbly, sprinkle the French fried onions over the top, along with some more cheddar cheese (if desired).
2. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the onions are crispy.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Scoop it onto plates and enjoy! Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetable for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 650mg
Total Carbohydrate: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 21g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 10%
Potassium: 500mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Comforting Chicken and Hashbrowns Casserole

Side Suggestions:

• Simple Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to this hearty dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Try pairing it with some steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a healthy touch.
• Garlic Bread: For extra comfort, serve it with some warm, crispy garlic bread on the side.

Additional Tips

• Frozen Hashbrowns: You don’t need to thaw the hashbrowns before using them. Just add them straight from the freezer for a crispy texture!
• Chicken Options: This recipe works great with both cooked and raw chicken. If using cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken works well for a quick option.
• Customize: Feel free to add in veggies like peas, corn, or even bell peppers to make it your own.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add the French fried onions and cheese at the end to keep them crispy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of hashbrowns?
A1: Yes, you can! Just dice or shred the potatoes and make sure they’re fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture nice and crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just assemble it, cover it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the regular baking instructions.

Q5: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A5: Add some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the creamy mixture for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I use a different cream soup?
A6: Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.

Q7: How do I make the casserole crispy on top?
A7: The key is to remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This lets the top get golden and crispy.

Q8: Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
A8: Yes, just use shredded or diced cooked chicken for a quicker meal. You don’t need to bake it as long.

Q9: Can I use dairy-free cheese or sour cream?
A9: Yes, you can easily swap for dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make this dish dairy-free.

Q10: How long will this casserole last in the fridge?
A10: It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Comforting Chicken and Hashbrowns Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with crispy hashbrowns and tender chicken makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and totally customizable—what’s not to love? Try it once, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!

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