Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This cozy chicken tater tot casserole is the ultimate one-pan comfort food! Juicy shredded chicken, creamy homemade sauce, plenty of veggies, and crispy tater tots come together for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make any night of the week.

 

Easy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

• So Freaking Good. It’s like tater tot casserole and chicken pot pie had a baby – and the flavors are just out of this world! Creamy chicken and veggies in a homemade sauce (no condensed soup here!) are topped with a layer of melty cheese and crispy tater tots.
• One Pan Meal. The best part is that this tater tot casserole can go right from the stove to the oven (if you’re using a large saute pan or large cast iron pan) and it all cooks together in one pan!

Ingredients for Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Yellow Onion: Builds a flavorful base for the casserole. Shallots or white onion would also be great.
• Garlic: Infuses the sauce with rich, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder can be used if you’re in a pinch.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a cozy blend of herbs to the creamy filling. You can use dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano if needed.
• Rubbed Sage: Adds warmth and depth. Poultry seasoning can be swapped in.
• Butter: Helps create the roux for a silky, flavorful sauce. Margarine works as an alternative.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce to coat the chicken and veggies perfectly. Stick with all-purpose flour for this recipe.
• Chicken Stock: Forms the savory base of the sauce. Vegetable broth or chicken broth will also work.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the filling extra creamy and rich. Half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be thinner.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: A huge time-saver for busy nights. Leftover cooked chicken or turkey works great too.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots: Classic veggies for texture, color, and flavor. Any frozen veggie mix will do!
• Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the filling for gooey, cheesy goodness. Colby Jack or mozzarella are good substitutes.
• Frozen Tater Tots: The golden, crispy topping that makes this casserole so satisfying! Try potato crowns instead of tots if you like.

How to Make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Sauté The Onion And Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, rubbed sage, and more salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make The Roux: Add butter and stir until melted. Sprinkle in flour, stirring to coat everything.

Make The Sauce: Cook for about a minute, then slowly stir in chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add Chicken And Veggies: Stir in shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until everything is combined.

Layer The Casserole: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.

Bake Until Golden And Crispy: Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, until the tater tots are crispy and the filling is bubbling. Broil for a couple extra minutes if you want extra crispiness!

Rest And Garnish: Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Making Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• You can use any leftover chicken or turkey for this recipe. I’ve used chopped leftover grilled chicken thighs and it was delicious!
• Use salt and pepper moderately in this casserole recipe! The ingredient list here is short and simple, so adding salt and pepper throughout the cooking process is going to go a long way in boosting the overall flavors of the dish.
• If the casserole seems a bit loose after baking – don’t worry! As the casserole rests, the juices will redistribute and you’ll end up with a creamy and delicious chicken casserole.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• You can assemble the entire casserole – minus the tater tot layer – and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
• When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
• Then top with frozen tater tots and bake according to recipe instructions.
• You may need to an extra 10 or more minutes to the baking time to account for the colder temperature.
• If you find that the middle isn’t warmed through, but the tots are cooked, just loosely cover the pan with foil until the center is warmed through so the tots don’t get burned.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• The tater tots will soften over time but the flavor will still be delicious!

Freezing Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• To freeze, assemble the casserole without the tater tots (before baking) and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or seal in a freeer-safe storage bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats.
• Then top with frozen tater tots and bake according to recipe instructions.
• You may need to add an extra 10-20 minutes or more to the baking time to account for the colder temperature.
• Cover loosely with foil if you find that the tater tots are cooked but the casserole isn’t warmed through in the middle. Then continue baking.

Reheating Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• For a single portion, microwave in 30-60 second intervals until warmed through. This option doesn’t crisp up the tater tots quite as well.

Serving Suggestions

• simple house salad
• easy garlic bread
• Caprese garlic bread
• air fryer green beans
• air fryer asparagus

Try these easy chicken recipes next!

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