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Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, frozen hashbrowns (no need to thaw them), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and the hashbrowns are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the chicken and hashbrown mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Butter and Cheese
Pour the melted butter evenly over the top of the casserole mixture. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered top. If you want a bit of extra crunch, add a layer of cornflakes or crispy fried onions on top as well. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, golden, and crispy on top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving. This dish is great on its own or can be paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Hashbrown Chicken Casserole:
- Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this casserole extra quick to prepare, but you can also cook your own chicken breasts or thighs for a more homemade touch.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives a gooey, melty texture, while sharp cheddar adds extra flavor.
- Vegetables: If you’d like to sneak in some veggies, consider adding frozen peas, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers to the casserole mix before baking.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole:
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to prepare without needing special or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Comfort Food: The combination of creamy soup, cheesy goodness, and crispy hashbrowns makes this casserole a total comfort food that’s sure to please everyone.
- Versatile: Whether you’re feeding a large group or looking for an easy family meal, this casserole can be scaled up or down as needed. You can also switch up the flavor by adding your favorite herbs or seasonings.
Conclusion:
Hashbrown Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy hashbrowns in a way that’s guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile. It’s easy to make, incredibly filling, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this casserole is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
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