Place the frozen hash browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onions, and ground black pepper in a crockpot.
Cover the pot and turn the heat on low. Cook for 5 hours.
Add 8 oz (1 package) of softened cream cheese. Cook for an additional 30 minutes and stir now and then until combined.
Optional but highly suggested: top with shredded Cheddar cheese, bacon strips, and minced green onion.
