Creamy and cheesy Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole

Introduction

There’s something magical about a hot, cheesy chicken and hash brown casserole coming straight out of the oven. This dish is the definition of comfort food—creamy, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a dish to bring to a potluck, or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this casserole checks all the boxes.

The best part? It’s completely customizable! Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, swap out cheeses, or add crispy bacon and jalapeños for extra flavor. You can even switch up the topping—Ritz crackers, crushed cornflakes, or French-fried onions all add an irresistible crunch.

So, if you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this chicken and hash brown casserole is about to become your new favorite meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Not convinced yet? Here’s why this cheesy chicken casserole deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

✔️ Quick & Easy – Just mix everything in a bowl, toss it in a dish, and bake!
✔️ Crowd-Pleasing – A dish that’s guaranteed to disappear at family dinners and gatherings.
✔️ Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
✔️ Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble it in advance and bake when needed.
✔️ Customizable – Add extra flavors, veggies, or different cheeses to match your taste.

Ingredients Needed

This hash brown chicken bake requires just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients:

2 cups shredded or diced cooked chicken (Rotisserie chicken works great!)
1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns (Thawed for easier mixing)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Or a cheese blend)
1 cup sour cream (Or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk (For extra creaminess)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes (For a crispy, buttery topping)
¼ cup melted butter (To mix with the topping)
½ cup cooked bacon bits (For extra smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon paprika or ranch seasoning (Adds a flavorful twist)
1 cup mixed vegetables (Peas, carrots, or bell peppers)

How to Make Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole

This oven-baked cheesy casserole is so easy to prepare! Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✔️ Thawed hash browns
✔️ Shredded chicken
✔️ Shredded cheddar cheese
✔️ Sour cream
✔️ Cream of chicken soup
✔️ Milk
✔️ Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper)

Stir everything together until well blended.

A bowl of shredded chicken, hash browns, cheese, and cream sauce being mixed together for a homemade chicken and hash brown casserole.

Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch dish.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

The topping is what makes this dish extra special! You have a couple of great options:
✔️ Cornflake Topping – Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
✔️ Ritz Cracker Topping – Swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers for a buttery, golden crust.

A pre-baked chicken and hash brown casserole topped with crushed Ritz crackers, ready to go into the oven for a golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is crispy and golden brown.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips & Variations

Want to customize your chicken and hash brown casserole? Here are some expert tips to make it even better:

Cheese Swaps for Extra Flavor:

✔️ Sharp Cheddar – Classic and flavorful
✔️ Monterey Jack – Melts beautifully for a creamy texture
✔️ Pepper Jack – Adds a slight kick
✔️ Colby Jack – A milder option for kids

Make It Spicy:

✔️ Add chopped jalapeños for a kick
✔️ Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or hot sauce

Boost the Protein:

✔️ Mix in cooked bacon, sausage, or diced ham

Make It Gluten-Free:

✔️ Use gluten-free condensed soup and skip the cracker topping

Healthier Options:

✔️ Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt
✔️ Use reduced-fat cheese
✔️ Add extra veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms

Storage & Freezing Instructions

This hashbrown casserole with chicken is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

Make-Ahead:

Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

Leftovers:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

Freezing:

✔️ Before Baking: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
✔️ After Baking: Let cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat at 350°F until hot.

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to serve with chicken and hash brown casserole? Here are some great sides:

🥦 Steamed Broccoli – A light and healthy balance.
🥗 Crisp Garden Salad – Adds freshness to the meal.
🍞 Garlic Bread – The perfect side for scooping up all that cheesy goodness.
🥕 Roasted Vegetables – A colorful, nutritious addition.

A plated serving of cheesy chicken and hash brown casserole, with melted cheese stretching from the spoon, garnished with fresh herbs.

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for another cheesy, comforting dish? Try this Cheesy Potatoes Casserole.

Want a broccoli and chicken variation? Check out this Broccoli Chicken Cauliflower Casserole.

For a heartier one-pan meal, try this French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.

📖 Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole Recipe

Now that we’ve covered everything about this chicken and hash brown casserole, let’s get straight into the full recipe. Follow these simple steps to make a cheesy, creamy, and crispy casserole your whole family will love!