Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9- x 13-inch baking dish.
Make potato casserole mixture: Combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl, stirring with a whisk. Fold in the thawed hash brown potatoes, Cheddar cheese, and onion.
Add casserole mixture to baking dish: Pour the mixture into prepared dish and spread into an even layer.
Make cornflake topping: Combine the crushed cornflakes and melted butter in a small mixing bowl; stir to coat. Sprinkle the butter-coated cornflakes evenly over the potato mixture.
Bake casserole: Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or top is crispy and golden brown.
