Introduction

This Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is a comforting classic that combines tender shredded chicken with crispy frozen hashbrowns in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese and brightened with fresh herbs, it’s a perfect dish for hearty family dinners or potlucks.

A white oval dish filled with a cheesy baked casserole that has a crispy golden-brown top layer made of thin, shredded potatoes mixed with melted orange cheddar cheese. The top is sprinkled evenly with small, fresh chopped green onions. A portion is scooped out from the front, revealing a creamy white sauce under the crispy top with soft potato pieces inside. The dish sits on a wooden board with a blurred plant in the background, all on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 (30‑oz) package frozen hashbrown potatoes
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
½ cup whole milk
1 (10.5‑oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ cup finely diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and shred the cooked chicken if needed. Pat the frozen hashbrowns dry with a paper towel to remove excess ice for better crisping.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, whole milk, condensed cream of chicken soup, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture rest for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Fold in the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, gently tossing to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Spread the frozen hashbrowns evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture over the hashbrowns and gently spread to cover.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh chives or green onions.
Step 9: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sauté the diced onion before adding it to the sauce to bring out its sweetness.
Substitute cooked turkey for chicken if you have leftovers from a holiday meal.
Add a handful of frozen peas or diced bell peppers in step 4 for a vegetable boost.
Use smoked cheddar cheese for a deeper smoky flavor that complements the paprika.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture of the potatoes may change.

How to Serve

The dish is shown in a white ceramic oval casserole dish filled with multiple layers. The bottom layer is creamy and white, showing some soft texture where a portion is scooped out. Above this is a thick layer of grated bright orange melted cheese that covers the top. On the surface, there is a crispy, golden-brown shredded potato layer that looks crunchy and uneven. Scattered green bits of fresh chopped herbs and green onions are sprinkled evenly across the top, adding a fresh touch of color. The background features a white marbled texture and a blurred green plant behind the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh hashbrowns instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh grated potatoes, but be sure to squeeze out excess moisture before using to prevent a soggy casserole.

Is it necessary to thaw the frozen hashbrowns before baking?

No, you do not need to thaw them. Just pat them dry to remove any ice crystals, which helps the casserole crisp up nicely during baking.