Chicken Hashbrown Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic with a Crispy Twist
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, hearty, and just the right amount of crispy. This delicious dish combines tender chicken, golden hashbrowns, and a rich, savory sauce that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend brunch, it’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
In this recipe, we blend classic ingredients in a simple way that delivers big flavor and texture, topped with a golden crust of melted cheese and (optionally) buttery breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this easy and crowd-pleasing casserole, gather the following:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience)
- 1 (20–24 oz) bag frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat:
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Stir in 1½ cups sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
This will create a rich and flavorful base for the casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add thawed hashbrowns, cooked chicken, and finely diced onion.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
You can also mix in additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken and hashbrown mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and press down gently.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed cornflakes or buttered breadcrumbs.
This topping provides the perfect contrast to the creamy layers underneath.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The top is golden and bubbling
- The center is hot and fully set
If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set for clean slices.
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a touch of brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A crisp side salad
- Buttered dinner rolls
- Pickles or relishes for a tangy contrast
It also makes excellent leftovers—just reheat in the oven or microwave!
Tips for Success
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Thaw the hashbrowns thoroughly to avoid excess water and sogginess.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Don’t skip the crispy topping—it adds essential texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Make It Ahead
This casserole is ideal for meal prep:
- Assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why Everyone Loves This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
✅ Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
✅ Easy to prepare in one pan
✅ Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal planning
✅ Customizable with different cheeses, meats, or veggies
✅ Kid-approved comfort food
This chicken hashbrown casserole is everything we love in a cozy dinner. It’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor—and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making something comforting for the week ahead, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.