Easy Chicken Cheesy Hashbrowns

This easy one-pan chicken casserole combines cheesy hash browns, savory veggies, and a crispy cracker topping for a meal that always feels like a warm hug. It’s straightforward to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without fuss.

I first made this after finding leftover chicken in the fridge and wanted something quick but comforting. Since then, it’s become a family favorite that everyone asks for on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• Diced cooked chicken: a great way to use leftovers or quickly cook fresh for a tender protein boost
• Frozen hash browns: add a crispy, comforting texture that holds up well in the casserole
• Bacon bits: bring smoky flavor and a bit of richness
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: binds everything with creamy goodness
• Frozen mixed vegetables: add color, nutrients, and a fresh touch look for no added salt varieties
• Grated cheddar cheese: melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy layers
• Milk: lightens the mixture and keeps it moist
• Dried thyme: subtle herbaceous note that lifts the whole dish
• Crushed Ritz crackers: add a crunchy, buttery topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior
• Extra cheddar cheese for topping: enhances flavor and creates a golden crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Set the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking when your dish is assembled.

Mix the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, cooked chicken, bacon bits, grated cheese, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and thyme. Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is evenly coated and well integrated.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly grease a 7 by 11-inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Evenly spread the mixture into the dish, making sure it’s distributed flat to cook uniformly.

Add the Topping:

In a separate small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with the additional grated cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole filling to create a golden, crispy crust.

Bake Covered:

Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step keeps the moisture in and lets the flavors meld while heating everything through.

Finish Baking Uncovered:

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the edges bubble and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

Rest and Serve:

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This pause allows it to set so you get perfectly neat servings. Enjoy it warm for best flavor and texture.

Pin it

My favorite part is the cracker topping. It adds such a delightful crunch that perfectly balances the creamy layers underneath. It reminds me of cozy family dinners when everyone gathers around and shares stories between bites.

Storage Tips

Cool the casserole completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for three to four days. For longer storage, freeze it before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cooked turkey for chicken or use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, try cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. Feel free to use your preferred frozen veggies or fresh ones if available.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to add freshness to the meal. It also pairs nicely with a tangy cranberry sauce or a simple squeeze of lemon on the side to cut through the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts ahead of time and dice them for this dish. Using leftover rotisserie chicken also works well.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar cheese complements the flavors perfectly both inside the bake and in the topping.

→ Can I add spice to this meal?

Adding a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the mix provides a nice subtle heat without overpowering.

→ Is it possible to freeze the dish before baking?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, seal tightly, and freeze for up to three months before baking.

→ What baking dish size is best to use?

A 7x11-inch or similarly sized baking dish is ideal to ensure even cooking and a good depth for the ingredients.

→ How do I know when the topping is perfectly crispy?

Once the foil is removed, bake until the edges bubble and the cracker-cheese topping turns a golden brown hue.