Golden Hashbrown Chicken Casserole Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty casserole dish. This Golden Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy. It features layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, golden hashbrowns, and a bubbly, cheesy topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, preparing a weeknight dinner, or looking for a dish to take to a potluck, this recipe delivers every single time.
It’s filling, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Best of all? It requires minimal prep work and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups frozen hashbrown potatoes (thawed)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Hashbrowns
Fold in the shredded chicken, hashbrown potatoes, and diced onion. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the creamy base.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Add Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. For extra crunch, you can add crushed cornflakes or buttery breadcrumbs.
Step 6: Bake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Variations You Can Try
- Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, broccoli, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Meaty Twist: Replace chicken with cooked ground beef, turkey, or ham.
- Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for new flavor profiles.
- Topping Options: Swap cheddar topping with parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed potato chips.
Pro Tips for the Best Hashbrown Casserole
- Thaw Hashbrowns Properly – Make sure your hashbrowns are thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Pre-Cook the Chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
- Extra Crispy Top – Broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of baking for a golden crust.
- Make Ahead – Assemble the casserole a day before and refrigerate; just bake when ready.
- Freezer Friendly – Wrap tightly in foil before baking and freeze for up to 2 months.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze before baking or after cooling for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 21g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hashbrowns?
Yes! Simply grate peeled potatoes, squeeze out excess water, and use them in place of frozen hashbrowns.
2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely—just omit the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu.
3. How do I prevent the casserole from being too watery?
Drain and pat dry thawed hashbrowns and cooked chicken before adding to the mixture.
4. Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
5. What sides pair well with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread are great choices.
Final Thoughts
Golden Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, with a crispy golden topping that makes every bite irresistible. The recipe is versatile and adaptable, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a crowd, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
