This chicken hash brown casserole layers frozen diced potatoes with cooked shredded chicken, vegetables, sour cream and cheddar. Breadcrumbs form a crunchy topping as the creamy casserole bakes.
Recipe Details
- Dish: 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
- Bake: about 1 hour, until hot throughout
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen Southern-style hash browns
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 2 cups sour cream
- ½ cup canned corn, drained
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Chicken Hash Brown Casserole
Prepare the potato layer
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the frozen hash browns across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the chicken filling
In a large bowl, combine the cheddar, peas and carrots, sour cream, drained corn, soup, cooked chicken, milk, salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
Assemble the casserole
Spread the filling over the hash browns, then scatter the breadcrumbs evenly across the top.
Bake and check the center
Bake for about 1 hour, until the potatoes are tender, the topping is golden and the center reaches 165°F (74°C). If the crumbs brown early, cover loosely with foil while the center finishes cooking. Let settle briefly before serving.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Use cooked chicken; this method is not written for raw chicken.
- Drain the canned corn before mixing.
- Taste the creamy mixture before adding much salt, since soup and cheese are already seasoned.
- Check the middle of the casserole with a thermometer rather than judging only the topping.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in covered containers and use within 3–4 days. Reheat portions to 165°F (74°C). Keep the breadcrumb topping separate if assembling ahead, then add it just before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Shred the cooked meat and measure 3 cups.
Do I need to thaw the hash browns?
The original method layers them frozen and bakes for about 1 hour. Check potato tenderness and center temperature before serving.