Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and creamy cheese, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (30 oz) package frozen hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced bell pepper (red or green)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Hashbrowns: If using frozen hashbrowns, ensure they are thawed and excess moisture is removed by pressing them between paper towels.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the thawed hashbrowns, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, diced onion, and bell pepper.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, condensed cream of chicken soup, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce over the hashbrown mixture and stir until everything is well combined. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping (Optional): For a crunchy topping, mix the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is sure to become a family favorite with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Feel free to customize it by adding your preferred vegetables or seasonings to make it your own.