Loaded Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and savory cheese with bacon in a creamy sauce. This easy casserole is the perfect comfort food for family dinners or potlucks, combining all the best flavors in one baking dish. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (32 oz) package frozen hash browns (shredded or cubed), thawed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the Casserole
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add Bacon: Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount for topping.
Assemble and Bake
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crumbled bacon over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even shredded poached chicken for convenience.
- Hash Browns: Make sure to thaw the hash browns completely and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
- Bacon: Cooking the bacon until crispy before adding it to the casserole will give the dish the best texture and flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Additions: Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers or steamed broccoli to add some veggies to the casserole.
- Ranch Twist: Substitute the mayonnaise with ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Bread: Pair with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or green beans make a great side to add some freshness to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and store it in the refrigerator, then bake when ready. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I Use Fresh Potatoes Instead of Hash Browns?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Grate them and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel before adding them to the mixture.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
To lighten the casserole, use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and reduced-fat mayonnaise. You can also substitute half of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
Loaded Chicken and Hash Brown Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, crispy hash browns, and savory bacon, this casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for easy weeknight dinners. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy this rich, satisfying dish!
Happy Cooking!