Description
This Creamy Chicken Nacho Hashbrown Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole combining tender shredded chicken, crispy hashbrowns, and a flavorful blend of cheddar and nacho cheese sauce with a hint of mild heat from diced green chilies and spices. Perfectly baked to golden bubbly goodness, it’s an easy and satisfying dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce or cheese dip
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thawed shredded hashbrowns, cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, diced green chilies, diced onion, optional diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This mixture combines creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly combined, ensuring every bite has a balanced flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges, indicating it’s heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright herbal note, and serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Thaw hashbrowns fully to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease.
- Adjust chili powder and green chilies to control spice level.
- Optional diced tomatoes add freshness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to set before serving.
