Chicken Hashbrown Casserole

### **Instructions:**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.

#### **Step 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients**
In a large bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the thawed hashbrowns. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

Next, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, saving the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping. The cheese adds a creamy, gooey texture to the casserole that makes it extra comforting.

#### **Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish**
Spread the chicken and hashbrown mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top and ensure it’s spread out in an even layer.

#### **Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping**
If you like a bit of crunch on top of your casserole, sprinkle the crushed cornflakes or crackers over the top. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of melted butter evenly over the topping to help it crisp up in the oven.

Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole to add even more cheesy goodness.

#### **Step 5: Bake the Casserole**
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the casserole with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting meal!

### **Tips for the Best Chicken Hashbrown Casserole**

– **Use Rotisserie Chicken**: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. It’s already cooked, so all you need to do is shred it, making this recipe even easier.

– **Add Veggies for Extra Flavor**: Feel free to sneak in some vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. Chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach are great options that blend perfectly into the casserole.

– **Make it Spicy**: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture. It will give the casserole an extra kick.

– **Use Frozen Hashbrowns**: Frozen hashbrowns are a fantastic time-saver and create the perfect texture for this casserole. Just be sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe.

– **Make Ahead**: This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time! You can assemble the entire casserole the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and cook as directed.

### **Why You’ll Love This Chicken Hashbrown Casserole**

– **It’s Comforting**: The combination of creamy chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and melted cheese creates the ultimate comfort food experience that’s perfect for cozy dinners.

– **It’s Easy**: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

– **It’s Versatile**: You can make this dish your own by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the type of cheese. You can even top it with bacon bits or herbs like parsley for extra flavor.

– **It’s Family-Friendly**: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s filling, flavorful, and offers a satisfying balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures.

### **Conclusion**

Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is the definition of comfort food. With tender chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a cheesy, creamy filling, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s simple to make, customizable, and full of flavor, which is why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. So, next time you’re looking for a hearty meal that everyone will love, give this easy and delicious casserole a try—you won’t be disappointed!