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Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Directions for Making Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced onion (if using), garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and melted butter. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the hashbrown mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the hashbrown mixture. If you’re using cornflakes or potato chips for extra crunch, sprinkle them on top as well.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite sides!
Tips for the Best Hashbrown Chicken Casserole
1. Use Leftover Chicken
This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. If you have rotisserie chicken on hand, it makes for a quick and flavorful option.
2. Customize the Vegetables
Feel free to add in other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to pre-cook any raw vegetables to ensure they are tender when the casserole is done.
3. Make It Ahead
You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
4. Experiment with Cheeses
While cheddar cheese is classic, you can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some heat.
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole: Stir in a couple of cups of steamed broccoli for added color and nutrition.
- Southwestern Casserole: Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a southwestern flair, and top with tortilla chips instead of cornflakes.
How to Store Leftover Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freezer: You can freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
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