Name: Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces); 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup; ½ cup milk; 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly; ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme; 12–14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe because it’s a cozy, comforting dish that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and veggies in the most satisfying way. Whenever I make it, the aroma instantly fills my kitchen with warmth, and every bite delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, savory flavors and delightful textures. It’s honestly one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress guests or simply treat myself to a hearty meal without too much fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

What really stands out to me about this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe is the incredible flavor combination. The sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the creamy chicken soup base, while the hash browns provide that glorious crispy edge and a tender bite underneath. I also love the subtle hint of thyme that adds just the right herbal touch without overpowering the other ingredients. It’s like a warm, delicious hug on a plate that brings comfort and joy with every forkful.

Besides being delicious, this casserole is amazingly easy to prepare. I appreciate recipes that don’t require hours of prep or fancy ingredients, and this one fits the bill perfectly. You just toss everything together in one bowl, spread it out, add a crunchy cheesy topping, and let the oven do all the hard work. It’s fantastic for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even casual gatherings when you want something impressive but effortless. Honestly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that I return to time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl with three layers of ingredients side by side. On the left side is shredded pale cooked chicken with some herbs and light browning on parts. On the bottom right is a layer of white shredded cheese, and on the top right is a layer of yellow-orange shredded cheese. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, approachable ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the creamy soup that binds everything, and the crunchy Ritz cracker topping that adds an unbeatable golden finish. These everyday pantry staples come together to create a dish that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Frozen hash browns: Thawed slightly for a perfect balance of crispness and softness in the casserole base.
Cooked chicken: Diced to provide hearty protein and tender bites throughout.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it enriches the casserole and forms a cheesy topping.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: The creamy binder that keeps everything luscious and flavorful.
Milk: Adds creaminess without weighing the dish down.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Thawed to provide color, nutrition, and a gentle sweetness that complements the chicken.
Dried thyme: A subtle herb that brings a lovely fragrant note.
Ritz crackers: Crushed for a golden, buttery crunch topping.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole to golden perfection.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, diced cooked chicken, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried thyme. Stir everything gently until the mixture is fully incorporated and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. Spread the combined hash brown mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing out the top for an even bake.

Step 4: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese to create the casserole’s irresistible topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the surface of the casserole.

Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown, crispy, and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 7: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This step is key for the casserole to set and make serving easier.

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe yields about 6 hearty servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a group of friends. The prep time is quick—around 15 minutes—since most of the ingredients are ready to go or require minimal thawing and chopping. Baking takes roughly 45 minutes total: 30 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered for that golden finish. Don’t forget to allow 10–15 minutes of resting time after baking to let the casserole settle perfectly.

How to Serve This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe

A clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with a casserole that has one visible layer topped with a crunchy, golden-orange crust made of crushed chips, scattered unevenly with small green parsley leaves. The edges of the crust are slightly browned and crisp, showing texture and crunch. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a white and gray striped cloth and a bunch of fresh green parsley visible behind it, along with white salt and pepper shakers in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this casserole straight from the oven while it’s still warm and bubbly because that’s when the cheese is perfectly melty and the crunchy topping is at its best. Portion-wise, a scoop about the size of a generous fist is ideal, especially if you’re pairing it with sides. For a cozy family dinner, I like to add a crisp, fresh green salad tossed lightly in vinaigrette to offset the richness of the casserole.

For occasions like holiday dinners or casual potlucks, this dish shines alongside roasted vegetables or steamed green beans. I also enjoy garnishing individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness. When it comes to drinks, a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer complements the cheesy, creamy flavors perfectly. For a non-alcoholic choice, sparkling water with a splash of lemon is refreshing.

This casserole works beautifully as a weeknight meal but is also hearty enough for entertaining. I recommend serving it warm rather than piping hot to avoid burns and to fully enjoy the textures. It also reheats well, so you can serve second helpings or save some for the next day.

Variations

I love customizing this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe depending on what I have in the pantry or my mood. For instance, if you want to add extra veggies, diced bell peppers or mushrooms blend in beautifully and add more depth to the flavors. You can swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese if you prefer a milder or spicier twist.

If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free variety and use gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for the topping. For a vegetarian take, swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like diced tofu or tempeh and use cream of mushroom soup instead—it’s just as creamy and comforting.

For an alternative cooking method, I’ve even tried making this casserole in a slow cooker. Layer everything except the topping, cook on low for a few hours, then add the cracker and cheese topping under the broiler for that perfect crisp finish. It’s a wonderful way to develop flavors and get dinner ready with minimal hands-on time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be transferred into an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator as soon as the casserole has cooled completely. I like using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight lids to keep the casserole fresh. Stored this way, leftovers will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy, delicious meals later in the week.

Freezing

This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen by adding a bit more time—about 15 to 20 minutes longer—and keep it covered with foil for most of the baking to prevent drying out. Add the topping during the last 15 minutes of cooking for that crispy finish.

Reheating

The best method to reheat leftovers is in the oven to maintain that crispy topping and even heating. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent over-browning, and heat for about 20 minutes or until bubbling hot throughout. Avoid reheating in the microwave for best texture, as it can make the topping soggy and the casserole unevenly warm. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works—just do short bursts and add a few extra seconds as needed, then let it rest briefly to let heat distribute.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh, peel and shred your potatoes, then rinse and dry them well to remove excess starch before using. You may want to sauté or par-boil them slightly for the best texture and avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?

If you don’t have canned soup, you can make a quick homemade creamy sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Simmer until thickened, then use it as the base to get that same luscious creamy texture and flavor without processed ingredients.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly after baking?

While it’s best to freeze the casserole before baking to preserve texture, you can freeze leftovers after cooking as well. Just cool it completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free cream soup substitute or homemade dairy-free sauce. Make sure to check labels on other ingredients like crackers for hidden dairy as well.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

You’ll want to look for a bubbling casserole with a golden brown, crisp topping. The edges should be hot and bubbling, and the internal temperature should ideally reach 165°F (74°C) if you want to be precise. The resting time after baking also helps everything firm up nicely before serving.

Conclusion

I hope this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole Recipe inspires you to create a dish that’s as comforting and delicious as it is simple to prepare. I always find it so satisfying to bring together a meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite, and I know you’ll love the melty cheese, tender chicken, and crispy topping just as much as I do. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!