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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Chicken Hash

    Published: Feb 14, 2025 · Post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    two photo collage of chicken hash being served and while cooking with text overlay that says easy, high protein, meal prep chicken hash.

    Chicken Hash is a comforting, warming, filling breakfast or dinner recipe great for using leftovers or meal prep. This budget-friendly family favorite is full of veggies, protein, and nutrients.

    two bowls of chicken hash over grits next to a peeled tangerine and fresh thyme with a dish towel.
    Jump to:
    • About Chicken Hash
    • How to Make Chicken Hash
    • Recipe Tips
    • Variations
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Nutrition Benefits
    • What to Serve with Chicken Hash
    • Chicken Hash

    About Chicken Hash

    This chicken hash is glorious. It's comforting, warming, filling, and full of veggies.

    Plus, it's downright delicious.

    One of my grandmother Nan's go-to breakfast recipes was hash. Usually turkey or beef hash, but really it was any type of meat she had left over from the night before (or found in the freezer).

    The version is made with chicken.

    You can use leftover chicken, or buy & cook some chicken before making the hash. This will add only about 10 minutes to your cooking time.

    While this old fashion chicken hash isn't a super quick recipe, it doesn't require a lot of effort. Just time.

    Nan always made this for breakfast, but it's great for dinner. I love making a big batch and freezing it for later.

    You can serve it as is or over grits.

    Nan insisted that you boil the potatoes in unsalted chicken broth or vegetable stock for maximum flavor, so I always do this.

    Especially because you add the potatoes with their cooking liquid to the hash, the broth flavors this chicken hash recipe.

    And when you cook the potatoes in broth, you keep the potatoes from tasting bland.

    The hash is better the longer you let it cook, but it's so tasty that it's hard to wait.

    white counter with a russet potato, bowl of cornstarch, bowl of chicken broth, stick of butter, head of garlic, bowl of spicy, plate of cooked chicken breasts, container of sliced mushrooms, and a bowl of diced carrots, celery, and onions.

    Ingredients

    Broth: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or beef broth can be used to make this chicken hash recipe. Homemade or store bought will both work, but I recommend using low-sodium or no-salt-added to keep the sodium from being super high in this dish.

    In a pinch, you can use water, but you'll want to add extra seasoning to the hash to compensate for the lack of flavor.

    Potatoes: White potatoes, red potatoes, and yellow potatoes are great for hash and stews because they retain most of their texture when cooked. Russet potatoes are also a good option and were used for testing the recipe.

    Butter: To sauté the veggies (and cook the chicken if needed), use butter, olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or bacon grease.

    Chicken: This is a great recipe for using leftover cooked chicken (or turkey). Or simply cook the chicken in the same pot before you start sauteeing the veggies. You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or ground chicken.

    Veggies: Onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and potatoes are the veggies in this hash. Any color of onions will work, and you can adjust the amount of each veggie you like.

    Spices: Paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, and fresh thyme season this recipe. You can adjust as desired or add other spices you enjoy.

    Cornstarch: To thicken the hash, mix cold liquid with cornstarch then add it to the pot. After it simmers for about 10 minutes, it will thicken. You can use water or extra broth, but make sure it is cold.

    white bowl of chicken hash next to fresh veggies.

    Recipe Cost

    • chicken broth 3 cups: $1.71
    • potatoes 1 pound: $0.60
    • butter 2 tablespoons: $0.24
    • chicken breast 1.5 pounds: $6.89
    • onions 2 medium: $1
    • celery 6 stalks: $0.84
    • carrots 4 medium: $0.80
    • mushrooms 8 ounces: $1.98
    • garlic 3 cloves: $0.18
    • paprika 1 teaspoon: $0.15
    • black pepper 1 teaspoon: $0.12
    • cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon: $0.02
    • nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon: $0.02
    • salt 1 teaspoon: $0.01
    • fresh thyme ½ teaspoon: $0.04
    • cornstarch 1 tablespoon: $0.06

    TOTAL COST: $14.66 or $1.83/serving (Based on San Diego grocery stores 2024)

    Note that this is not the recipe; it's simply to show the cost breakdown of ingredients. Scroll down to the full recipe to see the specific ingredients and directions.

    Budget-Friendly Tips

    • Look at the price per ounce or pound to get the best deal.
    • Buy larger or "family-sized" containers of chicken breast. They usually cost less per pound.
    • Chicken thighs or frozen chicken breasts can also be used. Thaw the chicken in the fridge before using.

    How to Make Chicken Hash

    seasoned chicken breast cooking in a green dutch oven.
    1. Step 1: In a large pot, cook the chicken. Chop.
    light green pot with chopped potatoes cooking in chicken broth.
    1. Step 2: In a medium pot, boil chopped potatoes in chicken broth.
    green pot with diced onions, celery, and carrots.
    1. Step 3: Sauté onions, carrots, and celery in the large pot.
    mushroom and garlic added to a pot of sauteed onions, carrots, and celery.
    1. Step 4: Add mushrooms and garlic.
    chicken added to a pot with cooked veggies.
    1. Step 5: Stir in spices and chicken.
    green pot of stew with cooked potatoes added next to an empty pot.
    1. Step 6: Pour potatoes and broth into the large pot.
    pot of chicken hash while cooking with fresh thyme and a black spoon stirring it.
    1. Step 7: Add fresh thyme, and simmer.
    green dutch oven with simmering chicken hash being stirred by a black spoon.
    1. Step 8: Whisk together cold water and cornstarch. Stir into pot. Simmer. Once the hash has thickened, enjoy!

    Top Tip

    Chicken hash is better the longer you cook it. Make a big batch for a comforting, warming, filling breakfast or dinner recipe great for using leftovers or meal prep.

    Recipe Tips

    • If you are using leftover cooked chicken, you'll only need 1 tablespoon of butter for sauteing veggies.
    • Make sure you use cold liquid to mix with the cornstarch. Otherwise, you might get undesirable lumps in your hush.
    small white bowl with water and cornstarch mixed together with silver fork.

    How to Fix a Mistake

    • Too thin: Simmer for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens. Or stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch + 2 tablespoons of cold liquid and pour into chicken hash. Cook for 5-10 minutes until thickened.
    • Too thick: Pour in water or broth in ½ cup increments, stirring between additions, until it reaches your desired consistency.
    • Lacking flavor: Add extra spices, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of hot sauce.
    hand sprinkling a bowl of spices into a pot of chicken hash.

    How to Make Allergy-Friendly

    This chicken hash recipe is naturally gluten-free, egg-free, soy-free, and nut-free. Use oil or bacon grease instead of butter to make it dairy-free.

    Make-Ahead Ideas

    Chicken hash is ideal for making in advance, so it's great for meal prep. Simply follow the directions and store in the fridge or freezer.

    It's helpful to freeze in smaller containers, so you don't have to defrost the entire batch if you only need a few servings.

    Storage Suggestions

    Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days or in the freezer for up to 6 weeks.

    To reheat

    • In the microwave: Put in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat for 45 seconds at 100% power. Stir and microwave for another 30-45 seconds until warm.
    • On the stovetop: Transfer hash to a pot, and heat over medium. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until warm.
    chicken hash cooking in a pot with cornstarch stirred in.

    Variations

    Ingredient Options

    Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic. Use 1 teaspoons of garlic powder.

    Fresh thyme: Fresh rosemary can be used in place of fresh thyme. Mince it before adding it to the hash. Additionally, you can use dried thyme, which you will add with the other seasonings.

    hand holding fresh thyme over a pot of chicken hash.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between hash and stew?

    Hash has a more gravy-like consistency whereas stew has a more soup-like consistency.
    Otherwise, they have similar traits.fresh thyme, two bowls of chicken hash, and a peeled tangerine.

    Nutrition Benefits

    This old-fashioned chicken hash recipe has over 12 cups of veggies including onions, celery, carrots, mushrooms, garlic, and potatoes.

    All the veggies are full of antioxidants and a variety of nutrients. Chicken breast is high in protein and many vitamins and minerals.

    Plus, one (2-cup) serving of chicken hash provides 23 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 115% RDA of Vitamin A, 29% RDA of potassium, and 24% RDA of Vitamin C.

    Great for a nutritious meal, breakfast meal prep, and for a healthy meal worthy of company.

    plate with bacon and sliced kiwi with a bowl of chicken hash.

    What to Serve with Chicken Hash

    My favorite way to enjoy chicken hash is over grits, preferably cheese grits.

    Technically, this can be served on its own because it has a nice balance of protein, carbs, and fat.

    Since I typically serve it for breakfast, I like to add a side of bacon and fruit.

    spoon with grits and chicken hash over a bowl of hash.

    Final thoughts:

    My whole family loves this old-fashioned chicken hash recipe, and you will too!

    It's hearty, delicious, and nutritious. Great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and to have breakfast or dinner in the freezer.

    Even though it takes time to simmer, chicken hash is simple. In fact, it's one of my favorite easy meals.

    I always get excited to have it for breakfast (especially since it makes so much and I only have to cook one pot to get 8 giant servings).

    Meme with a silly smile holding a bowl of chicken hash and grits in a patterned bowl and a river in the background.

    MORE HASH RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE:

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      Sweet Potato Bacon Hash
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      Skillet Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
    two bowls of chicken hash over grits next to a peeled tangerine and fresh thyme with a dish towel.

    Chicken Hash

    Chicken Hash is a comforting, warming, filling breakfast or dinner recipe great for using leftovers or meal prep. This budget-friendly family favorite is full of veggies, protein, and nutrients.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Author: Meme
    Total Cost: $14.66 or $1.83/serving

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups chicken broth
    • 3 cups chopped potatoes 1 pound
    • 2 tablespoons butter divided
    • 1 ½ pounds chicken uncooked
    • 2 ½ cups diced onion 2 medium onions
    • 2 ½ cups diced celery 6 stalks
    • 2 cups sliced carrots 4 medium
    • 2 ½ cups sliced mushrooms 8 ounces
    • 1 tablespoon minced garlic 3 cloves
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
    • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    • 2 tablespoons water or broth

    Instructions

    • In a medium pot, boil broth and potatoes for about 20 minutes until potatoes are tender. Set aside.
    • Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until the chicken is done (about 10 minutes). Set aside & shred to make 3 ½ cups cooked chicken.
    • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pot, and add the onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 10 minutes. Add in mushrooms and minced garlic, and sauté for about 7 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices.
    • Add paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
    • Transfer the potatoes, the broth with the potatoes, and the chicken to the pot with the veggies. Stir together.
    • In a small bowl, stir together the water and cornstarch. Pour into pot, and stir well.
    • Stir in fresh thyme. Let the mixture simmer for at least 30 minutes. Best if cooked for over an hour. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *Use 1.5 pounds of raw chicken or 3.5 cups (about 16 to 20 ounces) of cooked chicken.
    *If using cooked chicken, skip step 2 and use only 1 tablespoon of butter to sauté the veggies.
    *Use butter, olive oil, or bacon grease to sauté the veggies.
    *Makes 16 cups

    What to Use in This Recipe

    Dutch Oven
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    Meme

    This post was originally published on January 17, 2016. Text, recipe, and photos have been updated.


    white bowl with chicken hash with parsley.

    Chicken Hash Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition Facts
    Chicken Hash
    Serving Size
     
    2 cups
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    231
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    6
    g
    9
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    62
    mg
    21
    %
    Sodium
     
    471
    mg
    20
    %
    Potassium
     
    998
    mg
    29
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    22
    g
    7
    %
    Fiber
     
    4
    g
    17
    %
    Sugar
     
    5
    g
    6
    %
    Protein
     
    23
    g
    46
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    5759
    IU
    115
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    20
    mg
    24
    %
    Calcium
     
    56
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Comments

    1. Deanna Segrave-Daly

      January 17, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      Talk about comfort food in a bowl - perfect for January!

      Reply
      • Meme

        January 23, 2016 at 10:37 am

        I know right?! I wish I had infinite bowls for this cold weather!!!

        Reply
    5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Meme!

    A thirty-something registered dietitian nutritionist here to help you enjoy food, make eating easier, and live free of diets & shame.

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