Cheesy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole (Creamy, Comforting & Family-Favorite)

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and gooey melted cheese come together in a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. This casserole is hearty, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a reliable go-to when you want something satisfying with minimal effort.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Baking Time: 40–45 minutes

Resting Time: 5–10 minutes

Total Time: ~60–70 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)

4 cups frozen hashbrowns (thawed)

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-mozzarella mix)

1 can (300 ml / 10 oz) cream of chicken soup

½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons butter (melted)

1 small onion (finely chopped)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

¼ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano (optional)

Optional Topping

½ cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

Lightly grease a medium baking dish (9×13 inch or similar).

Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, melted butter, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.

Mix until smooth.

Assemble the Casserole

Add shredded chicken and thawed hash browns to the bowl.

Fold gently until everything is evenly coated.

Stir in 1 cup of cheese.

Transfer & Top

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top.

If using topping, mix crushed cornflakes/breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.

Extra veggies: Add peas, corn, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more nutrition.

Spicy kick: Mix in chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Make-ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Freezer-friendly: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for feeding a family, sharing with guests, or stocking the freezer for busy days. Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, comforting meal everyone will love