Description
Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible chicken hashbrown casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Cheesy layers and crispy edges promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your family table, inviting you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 3 cups (8 ounces) frozen hash browns, thawed slightly
- 12 ounces (340 grams) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dairy and Sauce:
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 (10.5-ounce/298 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 400°F (200°C), ensuring an ideal environment for the casserole’s transformation.
- Create a harmonious blend by gently folding together hash browns, tender chicken morsels, crispy bacon fragments, sharp cheddar cheese, colorful mixed vegetables, creamy chicken soup, smooth milk, and fragrant thyme in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients dance together seamlessly.
- Prepare a baking vessel by lightly coating with cooking spray, then carefully transfer the mixture, spreading evenly and smoothing the surface with precision.
- Craft a delectable crown by crushing Ritz crackers and combining with remaining cheese, creating a textural topping that promises golden, crispy perfection.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, allowing it to bake in the heated oven for approximately 30 minutes, creating a protective environment for flavor development.
- Unveil the casserole by removing the foil, returning it to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the interior begins to bubble with anticipation.
- Allow the dish to rest and settle for 10-15 minutes, permitting flavors to meld and textures to harmonize, then serve while still radiating warmth and comfort.
Notes
- Select frozen hash browns that are thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture, ensuring a crispy and well-textured casserole.
- Swap regular bacon bits with turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon crumbles for a lighter protein option that maintains delicious flavor.
- Use gluten-free Ritz crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions after baking for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg