Here’s a detailed, foolproof recipe for a Classic Hashbrown Chicken Casserole — creamy, cheesy, comforting, and always a family favorite. Think Cracker Barrel-style casserole with tender chicken, crispy-topped hashbrowns, and a rich, savory filling.
🍗 Classic Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
📌 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
🐔 Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
(rotisserie chicken works great!) - 1 bag (30 oz) frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided: 1 ½ cups for mix, ½ cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
🍞 Optional Topping:
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder, pepper, and salt
- Chopped onion (if using)
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
Mix until smooth.
3. Add Chicken & Hashbrowns
- Fold in the shredded/diced chicken and thawed hashbrowns.
- Stir until everything is fully coated and evenly mixed.
4. Assemble in Baking Dish
- Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
5. Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes or crackers with 2 tbsp melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole for a crispy, golden top.
6. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until:
- The casserole is hot and bubbly
- The top is golden brown
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set.
🧂 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a green salad, steamed veggies, or sautéed green beans.
- Great for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
🔁 Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
- Creamier: Add 4 oz cream cheese to the base mixture.
- Add Veggies: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Swap Soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for different flavors.
❓FAQs – Classic Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
🔹 Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking) and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time if cold.
🔹 Can I freeze it?
Yes. You can:
- Freeze before baking: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Freeze after baking: Cool completely, portion, and freeze. Reheat in oven or microwave.
🔹 Can I use cubed hashbrowns?
Absolutely. Substitute shredded hashbrowns with cubed/hashbrown-style potatoes (thawed). Texture will be chunkier, but still delicious.
🔹 What kind of chicken works best?
- Rotisserie chicken (quick & flavorful)
- Leftover roasted or grilled chicken
- Poached or pressure-cooked chicken breasts
🔹 Can I make it without canned soup?
Yes! Make a quick homemade cream sauce:
- Melt 3 tbsp butter, stir in 3 tbsp flour.
- Whisk in 1 cup milk + 1 cup chicken broth.
- Simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Would you like a printable version, a low-carb modification, or a slow cooker adaptation of this recipe?