Chicken Hash Brown Casserole

A hearty, creamy, and cheesy baked dish, this Chicken Hash Brown Casserole combines tender chicken, golden hash browns, and mixed vegetables under a buttery cracker topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is everything you love about home-cooked comfort food: creamy, cheesy layers, a satisfying crunch on top, and flavors that warm you from the inside out. It’s incredibly easy to put together with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, and it’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. Whether served for a family dinner, potluck, or holiday side dish, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

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

1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
¾ cup milk
3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (or 1 envelope)
30-ounce package frozen hash browns, thawed
1 cup onion, diced
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)
2 cups frozen mixed veggies
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning until smooth.

3. Stir in hash browns, onions, cheddar cheese, chicken, and mixed veggies until fully combined.

4. Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.

5. In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

6. Bake for 1 hour, or until hot and bubbly. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 367 kcal per serving

Variations

• Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend for a different cheese profile.

• Use broccoli or spinach instead of mixed vegetables.

• Replace Ritz crackers with crushed cornflakes or panko for a different texture.

• Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. To freeze, assemble the casserole without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add topping, and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, just shred them and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the mixture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken?

Yes, it will slightly change the flavor but still work well.

What’s the best chicken for this casserole?

Rotisserie chicken is easy and flavorful, but any cooked, shredded or diced chicken works.

Can I make this casserole without the topping?

Yes, but the buttery cracker crust adds a delicious crunch.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

Make sure hash browns are fully thawed and drained before mixing.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, it will give a slightly tangier taste and lighter texture.

Can I bake this in a smaller dish?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream soup and crackers to make it gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chicken Hash Brown Casserole is the definition of cozy, family-friendly cooking. With its creamy filling, cheesy goodness, and crunchy topping, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Easy to make ahead and perfect for leftovers, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your comfort food rotation.

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