Loaded Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole

137 2 minutes read

Loaded chicken and hash brown casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together deliciously tender chicken, creamy sauces, crispy hash browns, and the rich, gooey goodness of cheese. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, preparing a hearty family dinner, or as a comforting leftover. It blends a range of savory flavors with satisfying textures, making it a favorite recipe for anyone seeking that classic, homestyle casserole experience.

This versatile recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to add your own twists, whether it’s more vegetables, different cheeses, or extra seasonings. Below, we walk you through everything from the ingredients to serving suggestions to ensure your loaded chicken and hash brown casserole is a hit in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Loaded Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of the essential ingredients for this flavorful casserole:

Ingredient	Quantity
Cooked, shredded chicken	2 cups
Cream of chicken soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Sour cream	1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups (divided)
Chopped green onions	1/2 cup
Frozen hash browns (thawed)	1 package (30 oz)
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon
Salt and pepper	To taste
Melted butter	1/4 cup
Cooked bacon, crumbled	1/2 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the casserole cooks evenly while allowing the cheese to get that perfect golden-brown crisp on top.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until well blended. This will be the base of your casserole, giving it a rich, creamy texture.

3. Add the Hash Browns and Seasonings

Next, add the thawed hash browns, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. The hash browns provide the satisfying crunch and texture that complements the creaminess of the other ingredients. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

4. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the mixture evenly across the dish. This ensures even cooking and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

5. Top with Cheese and Butter

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Then drizzle melted butter evenly across the cheese layer, which adds an extra layer of richness to the casserole.

6. Add Bacon for Extra Flavor

Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top. The bacon adds a smoky, salty bite that enhances the dish’s overall flavor, making each forkful even more indulgent.

7. Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown. The key is to ensure that the casserole is heated through and the cheese has reached the perfect level of crispness.