By Alex Harrington 
Introduction
Welcome to a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family of five—Buffalo Chicken Hash Brown Casserole. This recipe combines beloved hearty ingredients like chicken, bacon, and cheese with a subtle kick of heat from buffalo-style hot sauce. It’s the perfect meal for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering, bringing warmth and delight to your dining table.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 1/4 cups sour cream, divided
Seasonings and Spices:
– 1 envelope (1.25 oz) ranch dressing dip mix
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon buffalo-style hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot®)
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Main Components:
– 30 oz package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed
– 1 1/2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
– 6 slices cooked and chopped bacon, plus additional for garnish
– 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish:
– Thinly sliced scallions
Preparation
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9- x 13-inch baking dish by coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, whole milk, 1 cup of sour cream, ranch dressing mix, kosher salt, buffalo-style hot sauce, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir all ingredients until you have a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Combine Main Components
To the seasoned mixture, add the thawed hash browns, chopped rotisserie chicken, chopped bacon, and 1 cup of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all elements are well distributed within the mixture.
Baking Process
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during baking.
Cooking
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the hash browns are tender. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt to a golden perfection.
Finishing Touches
Once baked, let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes prior to serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Before serving, dollop the remaining 1/4 cup of sour cream on top and garnish with additional chopped bacon and thinly sliced scallions for a fresh touch and extra flavor.
Conclusion
Serve this Buffalo Chicken Hash Brown Casserole with a side of fresh greens for a complete and delightful meal. Its creamy texture combined with the crispy topping makes it an ultimate crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious blend of comfort and spice with every bite!
Gary