Description
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dinner featuring tender cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, a creamy seasoned sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and a crispy golden topping of tater tots. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks with simple preparation and delicious cheesy flavors everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed slightly
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Topping
- 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for layering the casserole.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth and well combined to create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Add the seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to season the creamy mixture evenly and enhance the flavor.
- Combine the filling: Add the cooked shredded chicken, thawed mixed vegetables, diced onion, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9-by-13-inch baking dish, creating a level layer as the base of the casserole.
- Add the tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely to ensure an even, crispy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the tater tots start to turn a light golden color, indicating they are cooking through.
- Add the remaining cheese: Remove the casserole briefly from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots to add a rich melted cheesy layer.
- Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly and the tater tots are crisp and golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature in the center reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient cooked chicken option.
- Keep the tater tots crispy by arranging them in a single layer and baking uncovered.
- Customize the vegetables with peas, corn, green beans, broccoli, or your preferred frozen vegetable blend.
- Swap cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a mixed cheddar blend for different flavor.
- Make ahead by preparing the chicken filling and refrigerating it separately; add frozen tater tots just before baking for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; reheat in the oven to restore crispness to the tater tots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Casseroles, Family Meals
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
