Easy and Cheesy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Whip up this easy cheesy chicken hashbrown casserole recipe for a weeknight dinner! Packed with tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and cheesy goodness (a trifecta of of delicious ingredients).

The casserole is the heart of North American homes, and this hash brown casserole recipe is no exception.  Hashbrown chicken casserole is a comforting dish that combines crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and gooey cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and about an hour in the oven, you can create a delicious dinner that will satisfy the whole family - I promise, I have not heard one complaint while serving it.

This casserole combines the best of two worlds—crispy hashbrowns and juicy chicken. The sour cream and butter add richness, while the cheddar cheese creates a golden, bubbly top. The chicken soup mix adds so much flavor without extra work, though you can also use cream of chicken soup if you prefer!

Everyone loves cooking until it comes time to cleaning up afterwards. But you're in luck, because with this casserole, like my cheesy cabbage casserole, french onion chicken skillet, and breakfast rutabaga casserole, all you need to do is put the clean-licked plates and casserole dish into the dishwasher, press on, and you're done!  You just need to prep everything in one large bowl for easy cleanup. The hardest part is waiting while it bakes and fills my kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Once it's done, I let it cool for a few minutes before digging in into this cheesy chicken casserole! The crispy edges are always my favorite part.

Ingredients for My Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

Here are the things I use to make this casserole, but don't let it limit your creativity. If you have some spare veggies like broccoli,peas, or carrots, why not toss them in for a healthy kick? Or if you want it to have more of a breakfast-feel to it, add crispy bacon bits on top!

• Frozen hashbrowns: Provide a crispy base for the casserole. You can also use dehydrated hash browns freshly grated potatoes or sweet potatoes for a different flavor. 
• Chicken breasts: Main protein source. Can be replaced with turkey, pork, or a plant-based alternative for vegetarian options. 
• Chicken flavored soup mix: Adds depth of flavor and helps bind ingredients. Vegetable or mushroom soup mix can be used for different taste profiles. 
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang. Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative. 
• Butter: Enhances flavor and helps with browning. Olive oil or coconut oil can be used for dairy-free options. 
• Cheddar cheese: Provides rich, savory flavor. Other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack can be substituted. 
• Onion: Adds aromatic flavor. Shallots or leeks can be used for a milder onion flavor. Substitute with onion powder if you don't have any. 
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor. Can be adjusted to taste or partially replaced with other seasonings. 
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth. White pepper or a pinch of cayenne can be used for variation.

See recipe card for exact quantities.

Equipment

To make this tasty chicken hashbrown casserole, you'll need a large mixing bowl which is essential for combining all the ingredients. I like to use a sturdy glass or stainless steel bowl that can handle vigorous stirring.

A 9x13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. I prefer a glass or ceramic dish, as it conducts heat evenly and makes serving easier. Don't forget to grease it well to prevent sticking.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Assemble the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine thawed hashbrowns, diced raw chicken, and chicken soup mix. Add sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Bake chicken and hash brown casserole

Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden brown.

Serve

Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This recipe serves 6-8 people.

Storage And Freezer Instructions

I recommend storing any leftovers of this cheesy chicken hash brown casserole in an airtight container or covered with aluminum foil in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly (I recommend not keeping it longer than you would normally keep cooked chicken). To reheat, I suggest placing individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

For longer storage, this casserole freezes well. I like to portion it into single servings before freezing. I use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and remove as much air as possible. You can keep the casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Accompanying Dishes And Serving Suggestions

Chicken hashbrown casserole is a hearty dish that can stand on its own, but I find it pairs well with a few simple sides. 

For starters, I often make my air fryer asparagus. It's healthy and easy!

If you're looking to stretch the meal further, consider adding a soup course. A light vegetable soup or broth-based chicken soup can be a nice starter. For drinks, I recommend ice water, unsweetened iced tea, or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Or, if you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try this blackberry tea or sophisticated cosmopolitan mocktail.

When serving, garnish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. For leftovers, the casserole reheats well and makes a great lunch or breakfast casserole the next day paired with a fresh fruit salad.

Recipe