Creating the Chicken Hashbrown Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

4. Add Vegetables: If desired, fold in the chopped green onions for added flavor and color.

5. Pour Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

8. Cool: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit more.

9. Serve: Use a spatula to cut into squares and serve the casserole warm.

These straightforward steps will guide you in creating a delicious Chicken Hashbrown Casserole that your family will love.