Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare the Casserole:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly combined.
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Make the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter.
Sprinkle the buttery cornflakes evenly over the top of the potato mixture.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. It’s perfect as a side dish for holiday meals, brunch, or gatherings.
