Combine ingredients. Put frozen hash brown potatoes, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, and butter in a big pot. Turn the heat to medium and wait for the butter to melt.
Simmer until tender. Let the soup bubble gently for 20 minutes. Stir it often so nothing sticks. The potatoes should be soft when you poke them. Use a lid to make it cook faster.
Add dairy ingredients. Turn the heat to low. Mix in shredded cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper until it all melts. Keep stirring until the soup looks smooth and creamy. So good!
Serve hot. Scoop soup into bowls. Put cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream on top. Serve it right away while it's nice and hot. This is comfort food at its best!
