Cheesy Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe

Golden Cheesy Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food takes an irresistible turn with this creamy cheesy hashbrown chicken casserole that promises a delightful dinner solution.

Golden potatoes blend seamlessly with tender chicken pieces for a hearty meal.

Crispy edges and a melted cheese blanket make this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Rich, satisfying flavors dance across each forkful, promising warmth and nostalgia.

The casserole combines simple ingredients into a magical one-pan wonder that feeds hungry bellies.

Layers of cheese, chicken, and hashbrowns create a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy, comforting recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 8

What Goes in a Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

For The Creamy Base:
  • Cream Of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps bind the casserole together, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
  • Sour Cream: Creates tangy richness and smooth texture, opt for full-fat version for best results.
  • Mayonnaise: Contributes to creamy consistency and adds subtle depth, select real mayonnaise for authentic taste.
  • Milk: Helps thin the sauce and create perfect moisture, whole milk works best for richness.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides mild, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic chunks.
  • Onion Powder: Delivers concentrated onion flavor without chopping fresh onions.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.
For Protein And Texture:
  • Shredded Chicken: Hearty protein source, use rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for maximum tenderness.
  • Hashbrowns: Creates crispy base and adds satisfying potato texture, frozen works perfectly.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy flavor, sharp variety recommended.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, salty undertone and helps create golden crust.
  • Onion: Optional ingredient for extra aromatic complexity, finely diced for even distribution.
For Crispy Topping:
  • Cornflakes: Provides delightful crunch and golden exterior, crush into small pieces.
  • Butter: Helps cornflakes brown and adds rich flavor, unsalted preferred for better seasoning control.

Kitchen Checklist: Hashbrown Chicken Edition

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all casserole ingredients smoothly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for spreading and baking the casserole evenly.
  • Small bowl: Used for mixing the crispy cornflake topping.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Cheese grater: Useful if grating cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.
  • Sharp knife: Helpful for chopping onions or preparing optional garnish.

Making Hashbrown Chicken Casserole from Scratch

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

  • Whip Together the Creamy Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and blend the creamy ingredients until silky smooth. Toss in the tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese for a flavor explosion.

  • Spread the Comfort

Pour the dreamy mixture into the baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed for maximum deliciousness.

  • Create a Crunchy Crown

Mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter to craft a golden, crispy topping that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and let it bubble and brown for 40-45 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like comfort heaven.

  • Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes, then dive into this crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Tweaks for Hashbrown Chicken Casserole

  • Creamy Comfort Booster: Add an extra dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to enhance the casserole's rich, velvety texture and make each bite more indulgent.
  • No-Gluten Hero: Swap regular cornflakes with gluten-free cornflakes or crushed gluten-free crackers to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without sacrificing crunch.
  • Protein Power Play: Experiment with different proteins like turkey, pulled pork, or even plant-based chicken alternatives to keep the recipe versatile and exciting for various dietary preferences.
  • Veggie Volume Trick: Incorporate diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms into the mixture to boost nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor and color to the classic casserole.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce into the base mixture for those who enjoy a subtle kick and want to elevate the dish's warmth and complexity.

How to Plate Up Your Hashbrown Chicken Bake

  • Hearty Family Feast: Gather the whole family around this comfort food masterpiece, perfect for Sunday dinners or potluck gatherings.
  • Quick Protein Powerhouse: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy casserole and add a fresh nutritional boost.
  • Versatile Side Companions: Complement the dish with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to create a well-rounded meal that satisfies all taste buds.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Break this casserole into smaller portions for a delicious appetizer at sports watch parties or casual get-togethers with friends.

Save It, Serve It: Hashbrown Casserole Planning Tips

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Freezing Wisdom: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide the casserole into individual servings before freezing. This allows easy single-serving meals and reduces waste, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep.
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Cheesy Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Hearty hashbrown chicken casserole brings comfort from Midwestern kitchens with creamy, cheesy goodness. Generous layers of crispy potatoes and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings you’ll savor to the last bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 (30 oz/850 g) bag frozen hashbrowns, thawed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 (10.5 oz/298 g) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs)
  • 3 tbsps melted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an optimal cooking environment.
  2. Sauce Composition: Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind the casserole’s components.
  3. Ingredient Integration: Thoroughly combine shredded chicken, hashbrowns, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and optional onions with the prepared sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures.
  4. Topping Application: Blend crushed cornflakes with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the mixture over the casserole surface to create a crunchy, golden-brown crown.
  5. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and a perfectly crisp topping that signifies complete cooking.
  6. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to settle for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, which helps flavors meld and provides a more stable serving consistency. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Optimize Chicken Texture: Ensure chicken is shredded finely and evenly for consistent flavor distribution and smooth eating experience.
  • Prevent Soggy Hashbrowns: Pat frozen hashbrowns dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a crispy, not watery casserole.
  • Customize Crunch Factor: Experiment with different crunchy toppings like panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for varied texture and personal twist.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade version or low-sodium alternative for healthier option, and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lower-fat alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 373
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 722 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 79 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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