01 - 
                Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
              
              
              
                02 - 
                In a large mixing bowl, combine the hash browns, chicken, bacon bits, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, milk, and thyme. Stir until well mixed.
              
              
              
                03 - 
                Lightly grease a 7x11-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. Spread the hash brown mixture evenly into the dish.
              
              
              
                04 - 
                In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
              
              
              
                05 - 
                Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
              
              
              
                06 - 
                Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
              
              
              
                07 - 
                Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!