Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to have a hot oven ready to go for that delicious, bubbly goodness you’re about to create.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your thawed hash browns. Make sure they’re gently squeezed to remove excess moisture. This prevents a soggy bottom in your casserole!
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and melted butter until well blended. I like to use a whisk for this step. It helps create a smooth texture. Add in your chopped onion, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring until everything is combined.
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the creamy mixture over the hash browns. Give it a good stir until every strand of hash brown is coated. Then, fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Save the other cup for later.
Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and pour your mixture in. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Want a tip? Press down slightly so it packs well for a nice, firm bake.
Pop that dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You want the edges to get a beautiful golden brown and the middle to be bubbling. It’s the moment of truth!
After 45 minutes, pull it out and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Once you’ve pulled it out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps everything set up better. Sprinkle the fresh parsley on top and voilà! You’ve just created a dish that’s sure to impress.