Weeknight Saver: Just 5 ingredients. I make this nonstop every January when it’s cold.

Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, shredded chicken, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the condensed cream of chicken soup, and the sour cream.
Ingredients for chicken hashbrown casserole mixed in a large bowl
Ingredients for chicken hashbrown casserole mixed in a large bowl
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined. It will be thick and creamy.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer, pressing it gently into the corners.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden brown.
Unbaked casserole topped with shredded cheddar in a glass baking dish
Unbaked casserole topped with shredded cheddar in a glass baking dish
Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before serving so it can set slightly, then scoop and enjoy.
Variations & Tips
To fit your week and whatever’s in your fridge, this casserole is super flexible. For extra flavor without extra work, stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of smoked paprika before baking. If you like a little color and crunch, add a cup of frozen peas, corn, or mixed veggies (no need to thaw) right into the mixture.

Small bowls of add-in options for hashbrown casserole on a countertop
Small bowls of add-in options for hashbrown casserole on a countertop
You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery if that’s what you have on hand. For a bit of a kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar or add a small can of diced green chiles. If you’re trying to lighten things up, use light sour cream and a reduced-fat soup; it won’t be quite as rich, but it still turns out cozy and satisfying.

To make it ahead, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours—just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time. Leftovers reheat really well in the microwave or oven and make an easy grab-and-go lunch for busy workdays.

Leftover casserole portion packed in a meal prep container