When you need an easy, cheesy, and comforting meal, look no further than chicken hashbrown casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a warm, hearty bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Whether you prefer a baked version or want to make a chicken hashbrown casserole crockpot-style, this recipe is simple to prepare and always turns out deliciously satisfying.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents :
What Is Chicken Hashbrown Casserole?
Chicken hashbrown casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish made with shredded hash browns, diced chicken, cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s similar to classic hashbrown casserole but with added protein, making it a hearty main course rather than just a side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
✅ Simple & Quick – Mix, bake, and enjoy!
✅ Uses simple ingredients – Most of them are pantry staples.
✅ Feeds a crowd – Perfect for family meals or leftovers.
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Can be prepped in advance and baked later.
✅ Customizable – Add veggies, spices, or different cheeses for variety.
If you love comforting, homemade meals, you might also enjoy Grandma’s Chicken Soup, a warm and nourishing classic for cozy nights.
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
To make the perfect chicken hashbrown casserole, you’ll need:
🧀 Shredded hash browns – The base of the casserole, giving it texture.
🍗 Cooked, diced chicken – Use rotisserie, baked, or shredded chicken.
🥄 Cream of chicken soup – Adds creaminess and flavor.
🥛 Sour cream – Enhances the creamy texture.
🧂 Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for flavor.
🧀 Cheese – Sharp cheddar works best, but you can mix it up with Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
🧈 Butter – Helps create a crispy, golden topping.
Tip: For a crispy top, sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs before baking!
How to Make Chicken Hashbrown Casserole (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go through the two best ways to make chicken hashbrown casserole:
1️⃣ Baked Chicken Hashbrown Casserole – A classic, crispy-topped casserole baked in the oven.
2️⃣ Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Crockpot Version – A slow-cooked, ultra-creamy variation.
Baking Method: Classic Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
🍽️ Servings: 6 | ⏲️ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Bake Time: 40-45 minutes
🛒 Ingredients:
✔️ 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns (thawed)
✔️ 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
✔️ 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
✔️ 1 cup sour cream
✔️ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
✔️ ½ cup melted butter
✔️ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔️ ½ tsp onion powder
✔️ ½ tsp salt
✔️ ½ tsp black pepper
✔️ ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
🔪 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix everything together: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly.
4️⃣ Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle crushed crackers (if using).
5️⃣ Drizzle melted butter over the top for a crispy, golden finish.
6️⃣ Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
7️⃣ Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tip: If the casserole starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and continue baking.
Slow Cooker Method: Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Crockpot Version
If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can make chicken hashbrown casserole crockpot-style for an ultra-creamy result.
⏲️ Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) | 2-3 hours (high)
🛒 Ingredients:
(Same as the baked version)
📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ Grease the crockpot with butter or nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Combine all ingredients (except crackers) in the slow cooker and stir well.
3️⃣ Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
4️⃣ Sprinkle crackers and cheese on top during the last 30 minutes for a crispy topping.
5️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy texture!
Tip: Slow cooking makes the casserole extra soft and creamy. If you prefer a crispy top, broil it in the oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy & Crispy Casserole
Getting the perfect balance of creamy filling and crispy topping is key to making an irresistible chicken hashbrown casserole. Here are a few expert tips to make sure yours turns out flavorful, rich, and golden brown on top!
1️⃣ Use Thawed Hash Browns for Even Baking
Using frozen hash browns straight from the freezer can make your casserole watery and prevent it from cooking evenly.
✅ Tip: Always thaw hash browns before using and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2️⃣ Add Extra Cheese for a Richer Flavor
If you love a cheesier casserole, mix in a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
✅ Tip: Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-packaged cheese—it melts better and gives a smoother texture.
3️⃣ Don’t Overmix the Ingredients
Overmixing can make the casserole too dense and heavy instead of light and creamy.
✅ Tip: Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined for the best texture.
4️⃣ Use a Crispy Topping for Extra Crunch
For that golden, crunchy finish, add a topping of:
✔️ Crushed Ritz crackers
✔️ Panko breadcrumbs
✔️ French fried onions
✅ Tip: Sprinkle the topping in the last 10 minutes of baking to keep it crispy.
5️⃣ Let It Rest Before Serving
Casseroles continue to firm up as they cool. Cutting in too soon can make them too runny.
✅ Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
Even simple casseroles can go wrong if you don’t follow the right steps. Hereis some mistakes and how to fix them:
🚫 Using frozen hash browns without thawing → Results in a soggy casserole.
✅ Solution: Thaw and drain hash browns before adding them to the mix.
🚫 Adding too much liquid → Makes the casserole too runny.
✅ Solution: Stick to the right amount of sour cream, soup, and cheese for the perfect creamy consistency.
🚫 Skipping the butter topping → The casserole may turn out dry on top.
✅ Solution: A little melted butter on top adds flavor and crispiness.
🚫 Baking at too high a temperature → Dries out the casserole.
✅ Solution: Stick to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking without drying it out.
🚫 Not covering the dish if browning too fast → Cheese may burn.
✅ Solution: Cover loosely with foil if needed, then remove it in the last 10 minutes for a golden-brown finish.
Wondering about baking techniques for the perfect texture? Learn whether to cook meatloaf covered or uncovered for tips on moisture retention and even cooking
FAQs About Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
Should I thaw hash browns for casserole?
Yes! Frozen hash browns release excess moisture, which can make your casserole watery. Always thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Is it okay to put raw chicken in a casserole?
It’s best to use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Raw chicken may not cook evenly, and it could release too much liquid, making the casserole soggy.
Why is my hash brown casserole soggy?
A soggy casserole is usually caused by frozen hash browns that weren’t thawed properly or too much liquid in the mixture. To fix this, always thaw and drain hash browns before using, and don’t add extra liquid beyond what’s in the recipe.
Should you soak potatoes before making hash browns?
If you’re using fresh shredded potatoes instead of frozen hash browns, yes—soaking helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier. Just be sure to drain and dry them well before adding to the casserole.
Final Thoughts: Why This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Belongs on Your Dinner Table
This chicken hashbrown casserole is the perfect comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you make it in the oven or as a chicken hashbrown casserole crockpot meal, it’s an easy, family-friendly dish that everyone will love.
✔️ Simple ingredients & quick prep
✔️ Perfect for busy weeknights
✔️ Great for meal prep & leftovers
Now, it’s time to grab your ingredients and bake a delicious chicken hashbrown casserole recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Chicken Hashbrown Casserole
- Total Time: ~50 minutes (Oven) / ~5 hours (Crockpot)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This chicken hashbrown casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and crispy hashbrowns. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Whether baked in the oven or made in a crockpot, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crispy topping)
Instructions
Oven Method:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine hash browns, cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Transfer to baking dish and spread evenly.
4️⃣ Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle crushed crackers (if using).
5️⃣ Drizzle melted butter over the top.
6️⃣ Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
7️⃣ Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Crockpot Method:
1️⃣ Grease the slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray.
2️⃣ Combine all ingredients (except crackers) in the crockpot and stir well.
3️⃣ Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
4️⃣ Add crackers and cheese topping in the last 30 minutes for extra crispiness.
5️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
✔️ Thaw hash browns before using to prevent excess moisture.
✔️ Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
✔️ Want it spicier? Add ½ tsp paprika or a pinch of cayenne.
✔️ Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes (Oven) / 4-5 hours (Crockpot)
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking / Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg