Ultimate Comfort Food: Hash Brown Chicken Casserole

Are you craving a cozy and satisfying meal that will warm your soul? Look no further than this delicious Hash Brown Chicken Casserole recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this comforting dish is packed with hearty ingredients and flavors that the whole family will love. From creamy sour cream and savory chicken to crispy hash browns and gooey cheese, every bite of this casserole is a delightful explosion of taste and texture. Join us as we explore the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions of this beloved casserole recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 Bag (20 oz) Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• ½ Bag (12 oz) Frozen Peas and Carrots
• ½ cup Sweet Corn, canned
• 2 cups Regular Sour Cream
• 1 Can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
• ⅓ cup Whole Milk
• 3 cups Chicken (Rotisserie), shredded
• Bread Crumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Prepare the Hash Browns:

1. Spread the frozen hash brown potatoes evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Season the hash browns with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Layer the Vegetables and Chicken:

1. Sprinkle the frozen peas, carrots, and canned sweet corn over the hash browns.
2. Top the vegetables with shredded rotisserie chicken, distributing it evenly across the dish.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, and whole milk.
2. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined.

5. Assemble the Casserole:

1. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.

6. Add Bread Crumbs:

1. Generously sprinkle bread crumbs over the cheese layer to add a crispy topping to the casserole.

7. Bake the Casserole:

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
2. Scoop out servings of the warm and comforting Hash Brown Chicken Casserole and enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Simply follow the instructions up to the point of baking, then cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of condensed cream of chicken soup for a vegetarian-friendly version of this casserole.
• Customize with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite add-ins such as diced bell peppers, onions, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh hash browns instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh hash browns if you prefer. Simply shred peeled potatoes using a grater or food processor and season them with salt and pepper before layering them in the baking dish.

Q: Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use homemade cream of chicken soup if preferred. You can find many recipes online for homemade versions that are easy to make and often healthier than canned soups.

Q: Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole? A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese would all be delicious alternatives to cheddar.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings or freeze the entire dish in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keto Version:

• Cauliflower Hash Browns: Substitute frozen hash browns with homemade or store-bought cauliflower hash browns for a keto-friendly option.
• Creamy Sauce Alternative: Use a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth thickened with xanthan gum instead of condensed cream of chicken soup for a low-carb sauce option.
• Low-Carb Vegetables: Swap sweet corn with low-carb vegetables such as diced bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach to reduce the carb content of the casserole.

Low Carb Version:

• Turnip or Radish Hash Browns: Replace frozen hash browns with turnip or radish hash browns for a low-carb alternative.
• Cheese Sauce Thickener: Use almond flour or coconut flour as a thickening agent in the sauce instead of condensed cream of chicken soup for a low-carb version.
• Reduced Carb Bread Crumbs: Opt for crushed pork rinds or almond flour-based bread crumbs instead of traditional bread crumbs for a low-carb topping.

Indulge in the comforting goodness of Hash Brown Chicken Casserole—a hearty and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of crispy hash browns, tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, this casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, Hash Brown Chicken Casserole is guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of this comforting classic!