Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this hearty and satisfying Chicken Hashbrown Casserole recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, creamy sauce, and melted cheese for a mouthwatering meal that will please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend brunch option or a simple weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Plus, with its easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade comfort food with this irresistible Chicken Hashbrown Casserole!
Ingredients:
- Frozen Hashbrowns
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt and Pepper
- Sour cream
- Cream of chicken soup or a homemade variant
- Milk
- Cooked chicken, preferably shredded
- Cornflakes, crushed for the crispy topping
- Melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Hashbrowns: Spread the frozen hashbrowns in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Season the Hashbrowns: Season the hashbrowns with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the Ingredients: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hashbrowns.
- Add the Chicken: Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the cheese layer.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken layer in the baking dish.
- Top with Cornflakes: Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the cornflakes layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Cooking Notes:
- Frozen Hashbrowns: Using frozen hashbrowns makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also use freshly grated potatoes if preferred. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
- Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooked chicken breast for this recipe. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: If you prefer a homemade alternative to canned cream of chicken soup, you can make your own using chicken broth, flour, butter, and seasonings. Simply whisk together the ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese would all be delicious options.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced green chilies, jalapenos, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the frozen hashbrowns with cauliflower rice or diced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative. You can also use a keto-friendly cream of chicken soup or make your own low-carb version using almond flour or coconut flour.
In conclusion, this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and cheesy topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this casserole is guaranteed to impress. Plus, with its simple preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion. So why wait? Give this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole a try and enjoy a taste of homemade comfort food at its finest
Tips for Serving:
- Serve the Chicken Hashbrown Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
- Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage:
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator overnight. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
In conclusion, this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing brunch option, this casserole fits the bill. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, with the option to customize with your favorite toppings and variations, you can make it your own. So gather your ingredients and give this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole a try. Your taste buds will thank you!