When you’re craving a meal that’s warm, filling, and full of flavor, Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect choice. This dish combines the creamy richness of a classic chicken casserole with the crispy, golden top of tater tots, creating a meal that everyone in your household will love. Using rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables makes it easy to prepare, so you can have dinner ready in about an hour without spending all day in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
There are plenty of reasons to make this casserole a regular on your menu. First, it’s incredibly convenient. By using leftover or rotisserie chicken, you cut down on prep time significantly, allowing you to have a wholesome dinner on the table fast. The frozen peas and carrots make it easy to include vegetables without extra chopping or cleaning.
Second, the combination of creamy sauce and crispy tater tots is irresistible. The creamy chicken and veggie mixture is perfectly balanced with a golden, crunchy topping, offering contrasting textures in every bite. This dish is both hearty and comforting, making it ideal for cold nights, casual family dinners, or even potlucks.
Finally, this casserole is customizable. You can adjust the seasonings, swap vegetables, or even add cheese to make it uniquely yours. It’s a flexible recipe that adapts to your taste and the ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredients for Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
To make this comforting casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped onion (about 1 large onion)
- 4 cups (500 g) shredded rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 4 tablespoons (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces (454 g) frozen peas & carrots
- 2 ½ cups (590 ml) chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups (300 g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 24 ounces (680 g) frozen tater tots (about 5 ½ cups)
How to Make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) so it’s ready when your casserole mixture is prepared. Chop the onion finely and set it aside, then shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
Place a large pot over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion along with the thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Stir frequently for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Next, stir in the frozen peas and carrots. There’s no need to thaw them; just cook for 3–4 minutes while stirring often. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for one more minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine and scrape up any bits stuck to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded chicken and sour cream. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch oven-safe casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Cover the top with frozen tater tots in a single layer.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown. For a thicker consistency, allow the casserole to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Serving this casserole is simple, but a few tips can make it more enjoyable. Use a large serving spoon to scoop generous portions onto plates, ensuring each serving has a mix of creamy chicken filling and crispy tater tots.
Pair your casserole with a light side salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness. You can also serve it with a warm bread roll or garlic bread for an extra touch of comfort. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even as a potluck contribution. Leftovers can be reheated easily for lunch or dinner the next day.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
To elevate your casserole, start with good-quality chicken. Rotisserie chicken saves time, but you can also cook your own chicken breasts or thighs. Make sure it’s well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
Bring the sour cream to room temperature before mixing it into the hot sauce to prevent curdling. Stirring the casserole mixture well before baking ensures an even distribution of chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
Keep an eye on the tater tots while baking. If they start browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil. For extra flavor, you can sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the tater tots for the last 5–10 minutes of baking.
How to Store Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until warmed through.
You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or divide into individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations of Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole is versatile, so feel free to make changes according to your preferences. Swap out peas and carrots for corn, green beans, or broccoli. You can also use leftover turkey or cooked chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken.
For added flavor, mix in shredded cheese, a dash of hot sauce, or some cooked bacon bits (optional) before topping with tater tots. You can even experiment with sweet potato tots for a different twist. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, and you’ll have a dish that’s uniquely yours every time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the tater tots just before baking to ensure they stay crispy.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Use fresh carrots, peas, or other vegetables, but adjust cooking time to ensure they are tender before adding the chicken and sour cream.
Can I make this recipe with leftover chicken?
Yes. Any cooked, shredded chicken works well. Season it lightly with salt and pepper if it wasn’t seasoned during cooking.
How can I make the casserole creamier?
Add an extra ¼ cup of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream when mixing the chicken and vegetables for a richer texture.
Can I freeze the casserole before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it. Cover tightly and bake from frozen, adding extra time to reach the correct internal temperature.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
- Large Pot
- 9 x 13-inch oven-safe casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion about 1 large onion
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken skin and bones discarded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 16 ounces frozen peas & carrots
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups full-fat sour cream at room temperature
- 24 ounces frozen tater tots about 5 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Chop the onion finely and shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Stir for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add frozen peas and carrots to the pot, cooking for another 3-4 minutes while stirring.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded chicken and sour cream. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and cover with tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and tater tots are golden brown. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
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