01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
02 -
Place the frozen hash browns in a colander and let them sit at room temperature until fully thawed and excess moisture has drained.
03 -
While the potatoes are thawing, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and ½ cup of the melted butter in a large bowl. Mix well until smooth.
04 -
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and onion powder (if using) to the cream mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
05 -
Add the thawed hash browns to the cheese mixture and stir until the potatoes are evenly coated. Spread this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
06 -
Place the crushed cornflakes and remaining ¼ cup of melted butter in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake until the cornflakes are evenly coated with butter.
07 -
Sprinkle the buttered cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture in the baking dish.
08 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 42-46 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Serve warm.