Description
A comforting and hearty Loaded Chicken Casserole packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and tender hash browns. This easy one-dish bake is perfect for family dinners and can be made ahead or customized with veggies for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes (thawed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped), divided
Toppings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (chopped, divided)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these until well blended to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Protein and Potatoes: Stir in the shredded chicken, thawed hash browns, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped bacon, and half of the chopped green onions into the sauce mixture, mixing thoroughly for an even consistency.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the rest of the chopped bacon evenly over the casserole’s surface for a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top has a nicely browned, golden appearance.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining chopped green onions over the top before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
- Add steamed broccoli or peas to the mixture for extra vegetable nutrients.
- This casserole freezes well and makes an excellent make-ahead freezer meal.
