Name: Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (30-ounce) bag shredded hash brown potatoes (partially thawed); 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup; 2 cups sour cream; 1½ teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground pepper; 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups crushed cornflake cereal (or panko breadcrumbs); ¼ cup melted unsalted butter

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 7 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe because it brings together everything I look for in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. The creamy, cheesy potatoes combined with tender shredded chicken create a cozy, hearty meal that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a timeless casserole that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want a satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe

What makes this casserole really stand out to me is the rich flavor profile — creamy sour cream and cream of chicken soup blend so beautifully with sharp cheddar and just the right amount of seasoning. The tender shredded chicken adds heartiness, while crispy cornflake topping provides that delightful crunch on top. It’s like a perfect balance between comfort food and something with a seriously addictive texture.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how simple it is to pull together. I appreciate meals where the prep doesn’t take forever but the results feel special. You just combine a handful of ingredients in one bowl, sprinkle the buttery crunchy topping, and pop it into the oven. Because it’s so straightforward, I often make it for busy weeknights or when friends come over unannounced — it’s always a hit that returns again and again to our table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal bowl on a white marbled surface filled with five different ingredients, each in separate sections inside the bowl. There is a layer of shredded white chicken meat at the bottom left, a pile of smooth white sour cream next to it topped with dark pepper specks, a grated bright orange cheddar cheese at the upper left, creamy light yellow cheese sauce sprinkled with brown seasoning at the center, and shredded white cheese filling the right half of the bowl. All ingredients are clearly separated, showing different textures and colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients are humble yet essential, each playing its part to create a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy masterpiece. From the tender shredded chicken to the sharp cheddar cheese, you’ll find that every component adds to the flavor, texture, and overall comfort of this casserole.

Shredded hash brown potatoes: They form the creamy, soft base and make the casserole hearty.
Cooked shredded chicken: Adds protein and makes it a complete meal, offering a meaty texture without overwhelming the dish.
Cream of chicken soup: Acts as a flavorful binder, ensuring everything stays moist and delicious.
Sour cream: Brings a slight tang and extra creaminess that balances the richness.
Onion powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts throughout for gooey, cheesy goodness with a bit of bite.
Crushed cornflake cereal (or panko breadcrumbs): Creates a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior.
Melted unsalted butter: Binds the topping for crispness and a rich, toasty flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine your partially thawed bag of shredded hash brown potatoes with 3 cups of cooked shredded chicken. Then add two cans of cream of chicken soup, 2 cups of sour cream, 1½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, and 2½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is well combined. This ensures the flavors meld together nicely and each bite will have a good balance of all ingredients.

Step 4: Spread the combined potato and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Make sure the surface is spread smooth as this helps the casserole cook uniformly.

Step 5: In a separate medium bowl, mix together ¼ cup melted unsalted butter with 2 cups of crushed cornflake cereal. Stir this until the cereal is nicely coated with the butter, which will help it crisp up in the oven.

Step 6: Sprinkle your buttery cornflake topping evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish. This topping adds that irresistible crunch that makes this casserole so special.

Step 7: Bake your casserole in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the topping is a beautiful golden brown.

Servings and Timing

This Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe serves about 6 hearty portions, making it ideal for a family dinner or sharing with friends. Prep time is around 10 to 15 minutes since it mostly involves combining ingredients. The bake time is approximately 45 minutes, so you’re looking at a total cooking time of roughly 55 minutes from start to finish. No resting time is needed once it’s out of the oven—best served warm and fresh for peak flavor and texture.

How to Serve This Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe

A light grey bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of white and golden crunchy layers that look like crushed corn flakes and soft shredded white cheese, sprinkled with small pieces of green scallions. A golden fork rests inside the bowl on the right side, partially buried in the mix. In the background, there is a small white bowl with more chopped green scallions. A cream and brown striped cloth is positioned at the bottom left corner of the bowl. 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 bubbling. It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance that richness. I also find some lightly steamed green beans or sautéed spinach add a nice, fresh contrast to the creamy textures.

For garnishing, I often sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or chopped fresh parsley on top after baking for a pop of color and savory hint. If you want to elevate it, a few thin slices of green onions sprinkled on just before serving add a lovely bite and freshness.

When it comes to beverages, I am a fan of serving this casserole with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, but for non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea complements it perfectly. This dish feels so lovely for festive gatherings, family Sundays, or even casual weeknight meals where you want something cozy yet satisfying.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can swap the chicken for turkey or even ham to give it a new twist that’s just as delicious. If you want to go vegetarian, try substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chicken substitute.

If you’re aiming for gluten-free, just make sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace the cornflake topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a lighter twist, low-fat sour cream works well without sacrificing much creaminess, and you can reduce the cheese slightly or choose a sharper variety to maintain big flavor.

For cooking methods, I’ve even made individual portions wrapped in foil packets for grilling, which crisps the top beautifully but keeps the inside creamy. Or you can assemble ahead and refrigerate overnight to bake fresh the next day, which actually deepens the flavors even more.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container to keep the moisture and flavors locked in. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for easy reheating. It keeps well refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, perfect for quick lunches or second helpings.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I like to portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, it should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and the topping regains some of its original crispness. Microwave reheating works if you’re short on time but may make the topping a little soggy, so a quick crisp under the broiler for a minute or two afterward helps restore texture beautifully. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the casserole.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of cornflake topping?

If you don’t have cornflakes on hand, crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers work great for the topping, adding a different kind of crunch and buttery texture. Just toss them with melted butter before sprinkling on top.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, this Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes really well! Just make sure to wrap it properly to avoid freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently for the best texture and flavor preservation.

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

If you need to avoid dairy, plain Greek yogurt works as a good substitute, providing similar creaminess with a slight tang. For a vegan option, try a plant-based sour cream or cashew cream, though this will slightly change the flavor.

How do I keep the topping crispy after baking?

Make sure to evenly coat the cereal or breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping, and avoid covering the casserole immediately after baking. Serving it fresh from the oven ensures the topping stays crisp. If reheating, a quick broil for 1-2 minutes helps revive crunchiness.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Funeral Potato and Chicken Casserole Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s one of those dishes that comforts and satisfies in every bite, perfect for bringing loved ones together around the table. Give it a go and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home too.