Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Packed with tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a cheesy, creamy sauce, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/4 cup beef bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
- 12–14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cooked chicken, beef bacon bits, 1 cup cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and thyme. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Step 5: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step 7: Let casserole rest 10–15 minutes before serving to firm up. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Substitute turkey or ham for chicken to change up the protein.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole uncovered for 2–3 minutes after baking.
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 covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole without the cracker topping for up to 2 months and add fresh topping before baking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
You can substitute crushed breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed pretzels for a different texture and flavor.
Print
Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender cooked chicken, crispy hash browns, chewy beef bacon bits, mixed vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce. Topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese mixture, it bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection—perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/4 cup beef bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
- 1/8 tsp dried thyme
Topping
- 12–14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced cooked chicken, beef bacon bits, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried thyme. Stir well to create an evenly mixed casserole base.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the prepared mixture evenly across the dish.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the casserole to form a crispy topping.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to heat through.
- Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake the casserole for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking to firm up, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Be sure to slightly thaw frozen hash browns and mixed vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer, substitute cooked turkey or ham for the chicken.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs instead of Ritz crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken hashbrown casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, comfort food casserole, baked hashbrown chicken
