Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole. With crispy hashbrowns, tender chicken, savory bacon bits, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is a perfect meal for any night of the week. It combines all the best flavors of a hearty dinner into one dish, and it’s quick to prepare and bake. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal, this casserole will not disappoint.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers like cooked chicken. The creamy texture of the soup, mixed with the vegetables and hashbrowns, creates a satisfying dish that’s perfect for pairing with a side salad or some garlic bread. Topped with a crunchy layer of Ritz crackers and melted cheese, this casserole becomes an irresistible dish that’s both comforting and flavorful. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This casserole is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal prep work. Once everything is mixed together, it goes into the oven, and you can relax while it bakes.

2. Hearty and Filling

Packed with hashbrowns, chicken, vegetables, and cheese, this dish is a complete meal in one, offering plenty of protein, fiber, and comfort in every bite.

3. Versatile

This recipe is easily adaptable based on what you have on hand. You can swap the mixed vegetables for different veggies, or even use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

4. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors of this casserole. The creamy filling combined with the crispy topping is a winning combination that pleases even the pickiest eaters.

5. Make-Ahead Option

This casserole is great for preparing in advance, saving you time on busy days. Simply assemble it, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Frozen hashbrowns
• Cooked chicken, diced
• Bacon bits
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Frozen mixed vegetables
• Dried thyme

For the Topping:

• Ritz crackers (crushed)
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

Add a Crunchy Topping

If you like a little more crunch, you can add French fried onions or breadcrumbs to the topping, in place of or in addition to the crushed Ritz crackers.

Make it Spicy

For a kick, consider adding some diced green chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture.

Use Different Vegetables

Feel free to swap the mixed vegetables with other veggies such as peas, corn, or even broccoli for a change in flavor and texture.

Make it Creamier

For an extra creamy casserole, you can stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese along with the soup and milk.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, diced chicken, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, mixed vegetables, and dried thyme. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers and combine them with the shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s now ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Leftover Chicken: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be sure not to overmix to prevent the hashbrowns from breaking down too much.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to increase the vegetable amount or swap out frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites to boost the nutrition of the dish.
• Bake Covered for a Softer Top: If you prefer a softer topping, cover the casserole with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking. Then uncover and continue to bake until the top is golden.

How to Serve

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a one-dish meal that can stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for a comforting side
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots
• A simple fruit salad for a touch of sweetness

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until hot.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat leftover casserole, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken as long as it’s cooked beforehand. Make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can use other cream soups, like cream of mushroom or cream of celery, in place of the cream of chicken soup for a slightly different flavor.

3. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used, but make sure to cook them first before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender.

4. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheese to the casserole mixture or on top for extra richness.

5. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free milk, cheese, and cream of chicken soup, or substitute with a non-dairy alternative.

6. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. This makes it great for busy days.

7. Can I use different kinds of potatoes instead of hashbrowns?

You can use diced or shredded potatoes in place of hashbrowns, though hashbrowns give the dish a nice crispy texture.

8. How long can I store leftovers?

Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

9. Can I use low-fat cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of cream of chicken soup to make the dish a bit lighter.

10. What other meats can I use in this casserole?

This casserole can also be made with leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken, making it a great option for post-holiday meals.

Conclusion

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, hearty, and full of delicious flavors. With its creamy filling, crispy topping, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make it for a weeknight meal or prepare it in advance for busy days, this casserole offers the perfect combination of convenience and taste. It’s a dish that’s simple to prepare, versatile enough to fit your preferences, and satisfying enough to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!

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