Name: Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 ¾ oz condensed cream of chicken soup with herbs; 8 oz sour cream; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 28 oz hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers, frozen, thawed; 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1 cup croutons, crushed; 1 tbsp butter, melted; 1 tsp fresh thyme (optional)

If you’re craving something cozy, ultra-satisfying, and perfect for sharing, you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole. It’s packed with all the flavors and textures that make a comfort dish irresistible: creamy potatoes, tender rotisserie chicken, plenty of oozy cheddar, and a golden buttery topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want delicious leftovers at the ready, this casserole is the foolproof dinner you’ll want to cozy up to all year round.

Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole plays an important role, both in taste and in making the recipe beautifully simple to pull together. Here’s what you’ll need and a handy tip for each to make your casserole shine.

Condensed cream of chicken soup with herbs: This forms the creamy backbone of the casserole, adding richness and savory depth.
Sour cream: Gives the casserole its creamy tang and smooth texture—don’t skip it!
Salt: Just enough to bring out all the other flavors—taste as you go.
Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and balances out the richness.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the show—oozy, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers, frozen, thawed: A huge time-saver, these give lovely texture and infuse the casserole with onion and pepper flavor.
Rotisserie chicken, shredded: Tender, pre-cooked chicken keeps things easy and super tasty.
Croutons, crushed: The secret to that craveable crunchy topping—use your favorite flavor here.
Butter, melted: Mixed with the croutons for color and extra flavor on top.
Fresh thyme (optional): A sprinkle of this at the end adds fresh, aromatic brightness.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. It might sound simple, but getting your oven up to temperature ensures your Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole bakes evenly and gets beautifully bubbly and golden. Lightly grease a 3-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray so nothing sticks, and set it aside for later—this makes cleanup a breeze, too.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup with herbs, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until completely smooth and uniform. This rich mixture is what keeps every bite moist and flavorful, so don’t rush this step. The herbs from the soup will add subtle fragrant notes as the casserole bakes.

Step 3: Fold in the Potatoes, Chicken, and Cheese

Gently add the shredded cheddar cheese, thawed hash brown potatoes (with those colorful onions and peppers!), and the shredded rotisserie chicken. Stir everything together just until combined—the idea is to mix well without breaking up the potato shreds too much. Every forkful will get a bit of chicken, cheesy sauce, and hearty potato.

Step 4: Assemble in the Casserole Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and smooth out the top. This step helps the casserole bake evenly and ensures that crispy topping clings everywhere you want it. You’re officially well on your way to comfort food heaven!

Step 5: Top with Croutons and Butter

In a small bowl, toss together the crushed croutons and melted butter until the croutons are coated and glossy. Scatter this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The buttery croutons will toast up as the casserole bakes, delivering that irresistible golden crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the center is hot and bubbling and the topping is an even golden brown. Kitchen bonus: your house will smell absolutely incredible as it cooks!

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Thyme & Serve

When the casserole comes bubbling out of the oven, top it with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if you’re using it. The thyme is optional but truly elevates the Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole with a little pop of color and flavor. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving so you get neat, flavor-packed squares.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole

Garnishes

Once your Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is out of the oven, think about adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar for a melty, colorful finish. Another favorite is a touch more fresh thyme or even thinly sliced green onions for a bit of crunch and brightness. Each garnish adds something unique, and you can mix and match based on what you have on hand.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the table, but a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or steamed green beans will lighten up your meal and create a nice contrast. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, try serving with warm dinner rolls or a crusty baguette to soak up extra sauce. These fresh and simple sides make a well-balanced dinner everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re planning to serve Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole for a gathering, you can bake and serve it family-style in a deep, pretty baking dish. For special occasions, portion it out in ramekins for individual servings—guests love the personal touch! Or, for a brunch spread, cut the casserole into squares and arrange on a platter with colorful vegetable garnishes and fresh fruit on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best things about Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole is that it’s just as good—if not better—reheated the next day! Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Remember to label it so you don’t forget about your hidden comfort food treasure.

Freezing

If you want to make this casserole ahead of time or save leftovers for a rainy day, you’re in luck! Assemble and cool completely, then wrap tightly with a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover your leftover Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole with foil and warm in a 350 degree F oven until hot and bubbly again (about 20–25 minutes, depending on the amount). If reheating single portions, the microwave works well—just use a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts until piping hot. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before heating for the ultimate cheesy moment!

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken works for Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole. Rotisserie chicken adds a little extra flavor and keeps prep quick, but if you have leftover roast or poached chicken, use that instead.

What can I use if I don’t have hash browns with onions and peppers?

If you only have plain frozen hash browns, those will work beautifully. You can also chop up a small onion and pepper and mix them in for extra flavor and vibrant color, or leave them out for a simpler dish.

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it (before baking) overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the oven time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. Freshly baked is always best, but prepping ahead saves time on busy days.

Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?

Certainly! Use a gluten-free condensed soup and make sure your croutons are gluten-free, or swap them for crushed gluten-free crackers or corn flakes. Double-check the hash browns to ensure they’re certified gluten-free as well.

Can I use a different cheese?

While cheddar is classic for Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole, you can definitely experiment! Try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little kick, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Mixing cheeses is always fun and adds your own personal touch.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole really is a dinnertime savior—easy to whip up, endlessly comforting, and always a hit at the table. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see just how well it brings everyone together, no matter the occasion. Dig in and enjoy every cheesy, golden forkful!