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Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and mixed vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy cheddar and Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a family gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen hash browns (about 8 ounces, thawed slightly)
  • 2–3 cups cooked chicken (diced)
  • ¼ cup bacon bits
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables (thawed slightly)
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme

Topping

  • 12–14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve, crushed)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the slightly thawed hash browns, diced cooked chicken, bacon bits, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried thyme. Stir everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch (or similar size) baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the prepared hash brown mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the surface.
  4. Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese until combined. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole mixture in the baking dish.
  5. Bake (Covered): Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step allows the casserole to cook through and the flavors to meld while keeping moisture inside.
  6. Bake (Uncovered): Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully cooked.
  7. Rest and Serve: Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps it set for easier serving and enhances the flavors. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty chicken hashbrown casserole.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked turkey or ham for the chicken if desired.
  • For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
  • Fresh mixed vegetables can be used instead of frozen if preferred; just adjust cooking time slightly.
  • Make sure to slightly thaw the hash browns and vegetables to prevent excess water in the casserole.
  • This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
  • If you like a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the mixture.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, hashbrown casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, easy dinner, chicken hashbrowns, cheesy casserole, freezer meal

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/chicken-hashbrown-casserole-recipe/