Description
This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish made with tender diced chicken, crispy hash browns, savory bacon bits, cheddar cheese, veggies, and a creamy chicken soup base. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker and cheese crust, it’s perfect for a family-friendly main course that’s easy to prep and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Casserole
- 3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed slightly (about 8 ounces)
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 ounces frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Topping
- 12–14 Ritz crackers (about half a sleeve), crushed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s fully heated by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the hash browns, diced cooked chicken, bacon bits, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, thawed mixed vegetables, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and dried thyme. Use a spatula or large spoon to mix until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 7×11-inch or similar-sized baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the hash brown mixture into the dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly across the entire surface of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling along the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This helps set the filling for easy serving. Slice and enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience and flavor.
- If you prefer a crisper topping, broil for the last 2–3 minutes (watch carefully!)
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor.
- Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 74mg