Buffalo Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

Buffalo Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines spicy buffalo chicken, creamy ranch and cream cheese, crispy hash browns, and a crunchy topping of crushed potato chips. This casserole is a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, making it perfect for a satisfying dinner that will please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. The combination of creamy ranch and buffalo sauce, paired with tender ground chicken or shredded chicken and crispy hash browns, creates a dish that is both rich and flavorful. The crushed potato chips add an irresistible crunch on top, making every bite a satisfying experience. Easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken (or cooked shredded chicken)

• 1 onion, chopped

• ½ cup buffalo sauce (or more to taste)

• 1 block cream cheese, softened

• ½ stick butter, melted

• ½-¾ cup ranch dressing

• Pepper and garlic powder, to taste

• 1 can cream of chicken soup

• 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce

• 2 cups shredded Colby jack cheese

• 26 oz bag frozen shredded hash browns

• Crushed plain potato chips (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Chicken:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground chicken (or use cooked shredded chicken) with the chopped onion. Season with pepper and garlic powder to taste.

2. Once the chicken is fully cooked, add ½ cup buffalo sauce and stir to combine. Set aside.

Prepare the Mixture:

3. In a large bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, ranch dressing, pepper, garlic powder, cream of chicken soup, 3 tablespoons buffalo sauce, shredded Colby jack cheese, and frozen shredded hash browns.

4. Add the cooked ground chicken mixture to the bowl and stir until fully combined.

Assemble the Casserole:

5. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Top with Chips:

6. Sprinkle crushed plain potato chips evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Bake:

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. For a golden-brown top, increase the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.

Serve & Enjoy:

8. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness of your Buffalo Chicken Hash Brown Casserole!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Calories per serving: 400 kcal

Variations

• Spicy option: Add extra buffalo sauce or diced jalapeños for more heat.

• Cheese swap: If you prefer a different cheese, try using shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.

• Make it lighter: Use low-fat cream cheese, light ranch dressing, and baked potato chips for a lighter version.

• Vegetarian option: Use a plant-based protein like lentils or veggie crumbles instead of chicken for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked chicken instead of ground chicken?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken works perfectly in this recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!

2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the Colby Jack cheese with any cheese you like, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as directed.

4. Can I use frozen hash browns?

Yes, the frozen shredded hash browns are perfect for this recipe, but you can also use fresh hash browns if preferred. Just be sure to thaw them if they are frozen.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

To kick up the heat, add extra buffalo sauce or diced jalapeños to the casserole. You can also use spicy ranch dressing if available.

6. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole. After baking, let it cool completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

7. What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness. You can also serve it with some crusty bread for a more filling meal.

8. Can I use a different kind of soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or even cream of celery soup for a different flavor base.

9. Can I omit the chips on top?

You can omit the chips, but they add a nice crunch and extra flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a similar texture.

10. Can I make this dish without ranch dressing?

Yes, if you don’t have ranch dressing, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy base.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch from the potato chips on top. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or a dish to bring to a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and comforting—this is a dish everyone will love!

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