Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and crispy tater tots in one hearty, filling dish. The creamy sauce and juicy chicken are perfectly complemented by the crispy, golden-brown tater tots on top, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to make. This casserole is a family-friendly dish that’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. It’s a fun twist on traditional casseroles and offers an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

3. Add the Chicken and Veggies: Add the shredded or cubed chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the soup mixture. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. Add the Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture. Make sure they cover the entire surface of the casserole.

6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

7. Add Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 40-45 minutes

• Total time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for extra vegetables or beans for a vegetarian version of this casserole. You can also add some mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

• Spicy Twist: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give the casserole a bit of heat.

• Cheese Variations: You can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work wonderfully in this recipe.

• Add Bacon: For an extra savory touch, add crumbled cooked bacon on top before baking the casserole.

• Swap the Soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, bake as directed.

2. Can I use a different type of potato instead of tater tots?

If you prefer, you can use hashbrowns or even sliced potatoes instead of tater tots. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed for the type of potatoes you use.

3. Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken, but you will need to cook it before adding it to the casserole. Simply cook it through (grill, bake, or sauté), shred or cube it, and then proceed with the recipe.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the tater tots are crispy.

5. Can I use a different type of soup in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or any other cream-based soup you prefer.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

7. Can I make this casserole spicier?

If you enjoy spicy food, add some diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an added kick.

8. How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this casserole a bit lighter, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, light sour cream, and reduce-fat cheese. You can also substitute the tater tots with a lighter potato option or even zucchini slices.

9. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

Yes, you can halve the recipe and make it in a smaller baking dish (such as an 8×8-inch dish), adjusting the baking time as necessary.

10. Can I use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought broth?

Yes, homemade chicken stock will work perfectly in this casserole, and it will add even more flavor to the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food—easy to make, full of flavor, and satisfying for the whole family. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole is a guaranteed hit.