Cozy Chicken Hashbrown Casserole with Cornflakes

Creamy, loaded with cheese, and chunks of tender chicken, this Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is baked to golden perfection in just 40 minutes and is just as delicious for breakfast as it is for dinner. 

 

Easy Chicken and Potato Casserole

This chicken hashbrown casserole recipe is packed with savory flavors and a creamy sauce made from sour cream and cheddar cheese. No canned cream of chicken soup needed. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how it is such an easy meal to make on the fly – prep this in 20 minutes.

Made with frozen hashbrowns, cooked chicken, and pantry staples, it’s a great way to get dinner on the table on busy weeknights.

Instead of topping it with Ritz crackers like a million dollar chicken casserole, it’s topped with crispy cornflakes that have been mixed with butter. Let me tell you, butter and cornflakes are magical when baked.

Unlike many casserole recipes, this easy family dinner is made without cream cheese or canned soup. Instead you’ll make a simple sour cream sauce that creates a creamy chicken dish with potatoes.

Change it up

You could add some vegetables in with the potatoes, but I prefer to have my veggies on the side in a broccoli salad. Iinstead, add crispy bacon bits to the cornflake topping for a breakfast twist and a punch of extra flavor!

Casseroles are so popular because they’re perfect for busy nights or meal prep. You can make this ahead of time, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze it for one of those nights when you just can’t be bothered making a main dish.

Don’t you love having something in the freezer when you get home from vacation.

Since chicken potato casserole is such a hearty meal, I recommend serving it with something light and refreshing, like a fruit salad with honey dressing or a fresh spinach salad. If you want a heartier chicken casserole, I’ll be you’ll love a chicken pot pie casserole.

Pro Tip: You can easily roast your own chicken instead of using a rotisserie chicken in this recipe. Here’s a recipe for how to roast chicken, it just takes about 30 minutes.

Where Did Casseroles Come From?

The family favorite casserole has been a staple in homes for so long that it’s weird to think someone invented it! Perhaps the most famous casserole of all is the green bean casserole, which came about in the 1950’s. I guess this means that people continue to like comfort food. If you haven’t explored the casserole section on my site, check it out, there are over 75 different casseroles.

And if you’re just looking for more rotisserie chicken recipes, you’ll love this collection of my favorites.

Why This Is One Of The Best Casseroles You’ll Ever Make

• Super Creamy – A cheesy roux is paired with sour cream for a silky smooth sauce that coats everything. 
• Comfort Food – Hearty flavors made with simple ingredients and minimal effort? That sounds like the perfect meal to me.
• Crunchy Topping – Crispy cornflakes are tossed in butter and salt to contrast with the cheesy sauce and hashbrowns. 

Grocery Supplies

Cooked Chicken – You can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken for ease! It will take about 2 large chicken breasts.

Hashbrowns – Thaw frozen hashbrowns before cooking so extra moisture doesn’t get into the filling. 

Dairy – Cheddar cheese, butter, milk, and sour cream are used instead of the classic can of cream soup. 

Green Onion – I love the color and slight zing the green onion gives to this recipe. 

Cornflakes – This makes an amazing crispy topping to this casserole. If you’re not a cereal lover, store the extra in a ziplock to use for more casserole recipes.

Pantry Staples – Flour, garlic powder and onion powder.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Step One: Make Filling

In a large bowl, pour melted butter over thawed hashbrowns and chicken and mix. Add chopped green onions and cheese, stirring to combine.

Step Two: Make Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add flour and whisk for a minute. Warm milk in the microwave and gradually add to the saucepan, whisking until the sauce thickens. Add seasonings and whisk until combined. Remove from heat and whisk in sour cream.

Pour the sauce over the potato mixture and stir until coated. Pour into your prepared baking dish.

Step Three: Make Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, pour melted butter and salt over cornflakes and use a fork to combine. Once fully coated, sprinkle cornflakes on top of the casserole.

Step Four: Bake Casserole

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until it is bubbly around the edges and the cornflakes have turned golden brown.

Tips On Making A Great Casserole

• Use the right baking dish! Too big of a dish could dry out your filling, while too small could lead to sauce overflow. 
• Always start with aluminum foil. Covering your casserole in the first half of cooking prevents the top from burning while the middle is still cooking. 
• Shred your cheese! This tip is not just for casseroles but all dishes! Freshly shredded cheese takes just a few minutes, leading to a richer, smoother flavor and texture. 

How To Store Chicken Casserole

In The Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. 

In The Freezer: If meal prepping, cover tightly in a freezer-safe baking dish. If storing leftovers, place cooled portions in individual freezer bags or containers. This can be frozen for up to three months.

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