Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a potluck gathering. Combining creamy, cheesy hashbrowns, tender chicken, savory bacon bits, and mixed vegetables, this casserole is a delicious one-dish wonder. The crispy Ritz cracker topping adds an extra layer of texture, giving the casserole a satisfying crunch to complement the creamy filling. With a balance of flavors and textures, this casserole is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or preparing it fresh, this dish comes together quickly and makes for a filling meal that everyone will love. The combination of comforting ingredients like hashbrowns, chicken, cheese, and bacon, topped with a crunchy finish, makes this casserole a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is quick and easy to assemble. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.

2. Comforting and Filling

The creamy combination of hashbrowns, chicken, and cheese creates a hearty and comforting dish that will satisfy even the hungriest appetites.

3. Versatile

This recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap out the chicken for turkey, add extra vegetables, or even change up the cheese. It’s easy to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or for serving guests. Just bake it when you’re ready, and it’s good to go.

5. Family-Friendly

The combination of familiar flavors like cheese, chicken, and potatoes makes this casserole a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a perfect family dinner option.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Hashbrown Casserole:

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

For the Topping:

• Ritz crackers (crushed)
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Variations

1. Swap the Protein

If you don’t have chicken, try using cooked turkey or even leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Ground beef or sausage could also be used for a different flavor profile.

2. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add more vegetables to the casserole, such as sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach for added color and nutrition.

3. Use Different Cheese

Cheddar cheese is delicious, but you can experiment with other cheese options like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.

4. Make It Spicy

For a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños to the casserole or sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the cream mixture.

5. Go Gluten-Free

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs, and be sure to check that the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly thawed hashbrowns, cooked chicken, bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, thawed mixed vegetables, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, crush the Ritz crackers until they are fine crumbs. Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the crushed crackers and mix to combine.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the cracker and cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish with your favorite side dishes!

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overcook the Hashbrowns

Make sure the hashbrowns are slightly thawed but not too soft before mixing them with the other ingredients. They will cook further in the casserole and hold their texture better that way.

2. Use Leftover Chicken

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, saving both time and money.

3. Adjust the Cheese

If you like your casserole extra cheesy, feel free to add more cheese both in the casserole mixture and on top with the Ritz crackers.

4. Bake Covered for a Creamier Texture

If you prefer a creamier casserole, cover it with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking. This will keep the casserole moist and prevent the topping from getting too crispy.

5. Make It Ahead of Time

You can assemble the casserole a day ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a one-pan meal, but you can easily serve it alongside some fresh greens or a light salad for a balanced meal. Roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a simple fruit salad would also be perfect complements. For a heartier option, serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Hashbrown Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking it. Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.

Reheating

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

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh hashbrowns can be used, but be sure to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they don’t release too much moisture during baking.

2. Can I use a different type of soup?

Yes, you can use other condensed soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you prefer, though cream of chicken gives the best flavor for this recipe.

3. Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese and substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond or oat milk. You can also find dairy-free cream of chicken soup.

4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables, but you’ll need to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole so that they don’t release too much moisture during baking.

5. How do I make the casserole spicy?

To add some heat, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the casserole mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes on top before baking.

6. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger baking dish, or divide it into two smaller dishes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

8. Can I add more bacon?

Absolutely! If you’re a bacon lover, feel free to add more bacon bits to the casserole for extra flavor.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese for the topping?

Yes, you can swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

10. How can I make this casserole lighter?

To make the casserole lighter, use a reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, low-fat milk, and reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe.

Conclusion

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the perfect comfort food that brings together a rich combination of chicken, cheese, bacon, and hashbrowns, topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker layer. This easy-to-make dish is great for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you make it ahead of time or prepare it fresh, it’s a satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this delicious, creamy casserole with your favorite sides for a wholesome and delicious dinner!

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