Casseroles are so comforting, especially during the colder months, and because they’re so easy to pull together, they are your ticket to easy weeknight meals! I’ve experimented with other tater tot casserole recipes and my beef tater tot casserole and cowboy casserole have both been big hits at the dinner table! This tater tot casserole with chicken recipe is quick and easy to whip up and it’s loaded with great flavors, similar to chicken pot pie. Instead of a heavy crust, I top everything with crispy tater tots and cheese. The filling is made with juicy pieces of chicken and tender-crisp veggies in a creamy savory sauce. Often, you’ll see similar recipes made with canned soup, but I always like to make my own sauce. It really does make a difference in flavor and I can control the ingredients I’m using. Everything will be ready in just over an hour, so it’s easy enough to make during the week. You can also store the leftovers to enjoy again another night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
key ingredients
I make my own sauce for this chicken tater tot casserole instead of using canned soup, but I promise you that the difference in taste is worth it! Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chicken: I used chicken breast cut into bite-sized ½ inch pieces. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can also be used here. Sauce: This is an easy sauce made with flour, milk, and stock and flavored with onions, garlic, and dried thyme. It is creamy and velvety smooth. Veggies: I prefer to use frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, and green beans). You can use a blend of your favorite frozen vegetables. Tater tots: These bite-sized tots are made from shredded potato and deep fried similar to French fries. You’ll find these in bags in the frozen food aisle of the grocery store. Cheese: I like grated cheddar cheese in this dish, but you can swap in your favorite cheese. Monterey Jack or mozzarella would also be good options. Garnish: I like to sprinkle over some chopped fresh parsley before serving.
How To Make It
Just a little bit of prep on the stovetop and then everything goes into the oven to bake to golden perfection!
Recipe Tips
Here are a couple of tips that will make preparing this casserole so much easier!
If you’re short on time, buy a cooked rotisserie chicken or use leftover chicken to shred into the casserole. Do not thaw your tater tots. You want to keep them frozen otherwise they may become mushy. If you can, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded packaged cheese. Freshly grated cheese from a block of cheese will melt better than pre-shredded which is covered with an anti-caking agent.
Storing Tips
Cover your leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze it, cover it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Make sure to wrap it tightly. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, put portions of the casserole on a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. If you want to crisp up the tater tots again, place the casserole leftovers in an oven-proof dish and bake in a 350°F/180°C oven for 30 minutes.
What To Serve With Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
The great thing about casseroles is that they’re an all-in-one meal with the meat, veggies, and potatoes all right there in one dish. You might want to add some additional sides if you’re serving a larger crowd. Here are a few ideas:
Green salad Roasted broccolini Sweet potato and carrot soup Texas roadhouse rolls
Save this recipe for the next time you need a comforting dish the whole family will love! Pin this for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
