Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Ah, Chicken Tater Tot Casserole—where comfort meets convenience in the most delightful way! This is one of those recipes that brings back memories of family gatherings, lazy Sunday dinners, and the welcoming aroma that wafts through the house, pulling everyone into the kitchen. The glorious, crispy tater tots perched atop a creamy chicken mixture remind me of cozy movie nights with those I love. I can’t wait to share this with you!

Why you’ll love this recipe

So, why make this casserole? Picture this: a warm, bubbling dish that’s not only hearty but also bursting with flavors. The tender rotisserie chicken mingles effortlessly with sweet peas and carrots, all enveloped in a lush, velvety sauce. And let’s not forget the golden, crispy tater tots on top—each bite is like a tiny celebration of childhood nostalgia!

What makes this dish even better is its versatility. Weeknight dinners? Check. Potluck? Absolutely. It’s that crowd-pleaser you can whip up easily without breaking a sweat. Plus, you might already have most of the ingredients stashed away in your pantry or freezer. This recipe is one of those efficient, budget-friendly treats that doesn’t scrimp on flavor or satisfaction. In short, it’s comfort food that’s simple to prepare and delightful to share. Are you ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s talk about the stars of the show—the ingredients! These might seem simple at first glance, but together they create a magical fusion of flavors and textures.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: The first step is heating a bit of olive oil. It adds a nice depth to our dish and keeps those onions from sticking. If you’re out of olive oil, feel free to use canola or vegetable oil.

• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Onions are the building blocks of flavor. Diced fine enough to become sweet and translucent, they’ll start this aromatic journey for your casserole.

• 6 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, garlic—the soul of so many great dishes! This will infuse your casserole with a rich, savory depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, try roasting garlic beforehand for a caramelized twist.

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that brings a taste of the Mediterranean into your home. You can substitute with your own blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you wish!

• 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage: This adds a lovely earthiness. But if you don’t have any on hand, thyme works in a pinch.

• 5 tablespoons butter: We need that creamy richness to create a luscious sauce. Real butter is what we’re after for that wonderful flavor!

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken our sauce, giving it that beautiful creamy texture. You could experiment with a gluten-free blend if needed.

• 1.5 cups chicken stock: Homemade or store-bought, chicken stock brings all those savory flavors together. You can use vegetable broth if you want to keep it meat-free.

• 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens! The cream makes the sauce luxurious and comforting. You could use half-and-half for a lighter option, but trust me, heavy cream is worth it.

• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: The secret weapon—pre-cooked chicken makes this dish a breeze. If you’re feeling ambitious, poach some chicken breasts instead and shred them!

• 12 oz. bag frozen peas and carrots: Frozen veggies are a lifesaver here. They add that pop of color and nutrition without any fuss. Fresh would work too, but why complicate things?

• 8 ounces shredded mild cheddar cheese: Cheese, glorious cheese! It brings that melty texture on top. Swap it out for your favorite cheese—think pepper jack or gouda for a kick!

• 32 ounces bag frozen tater tots: The pièce de résistance! So crispy and satisfying on top—you can’t go wrong. But potato wedges are a fun alternative if that’s your jam.

• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning—trust your palate!

• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish: A little sprinkle at the end takes it from good to gourmet, adding a lovely burst of freshness.

Preparing Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Now, let’s get this casserole in the oven!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A warm oven is key to achieving that glorious, crispy topping.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

3. Toss in the garlic along with the Italian seasoning and rubbed sage. Cook for just one minute—your kitchen will smell amazing!

4. Add butter to the pan. Stir until it’s melted and bubbly, then sprinkle the flour in, cooking for one more minute. This is our roux, the base for a thick, creamy sauce.

5. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to deglaze any browned bits off the pan. Let those flavors meld beautifully!

6. Next, stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to heat for 1-2 minutes until it thickens up—this is when it starts to feel like magic!

7. Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken, frozen peas, and carrots, seasoning with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste.

8. Spread shredded cheese evenly over the chicken mixture—be generous; it’s what dreams are made of!

9. Top with frozen tater tots. Yes, it’s going to be glorious!

10. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, with the casserole bubbling beneath. If you want that extra crunch, broil for a couple of minutes at the end—just watch closely so they don’t burn.

11. Let it sit for 5 minutes before you dig in. Garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness, and serve!

Best way to enjoy it

Grab a big spoon and heaping serving of that deliciousness! You could serve this hearty casserole with a side salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Maybe some crusty garlic bread on the side? The balance between silky chicken, crunchy tots, and a zesty salad will have everyone asking for seconds.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole stores like a champ. Simply let it cool completely, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days—if you can resist the urge to eat it all!

For reheating, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker solution. You can even freeze the unbaked casserole! Just assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time to ensure it’s heated all the way through.

Helpful cooking tips

Want some pro tips? Here’s what works for me:

• Toast the flour a bit more than instructed—it adds a nutty flavor.
• Season as you go: Each layer deserves a sprinkle of salt and pepper; it builds depth!
• Mix up your veggies: You could add bell peppers or any leftovers you have; it’s a versatile dish.

Recipe variations

Get creative! This dish is a blank canvas:

• Spice it up: Add some diced jalapeños or a dollop of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different proteins: Ground turkey or beef works well, too.
• Cheese explosion: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or even blue cheese if you like a bold flavor.

Remember, it’s all about personalizing it to suit your palate!

Your questions answered

Here are some common questions about this dish:

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie? Absolutely! Just cook and shred it before using it in the casserole.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half is a lighter option, or you could use full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
3. How do I make this vegetarian? Use vegetable stock, swap chicken for chickpeas or extra veggies, and leave out the cheese for a vegan twist!
4. What’s the prep time? It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to prep. The magic happens in the oven!
5. Can I double or halve the recipe? Of course! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if using a different-sized dish.

There you have it—your delicious Chicken Tater Tot Casserole journey! Now, go embrace your inner chef. Try this one out, play with it, make it your own, and don’t hold back from sharing your delicious results with me in the comments! Happy cooking!

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Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cooking Method: Baking, Sauteing Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Weeknight Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy F Family Non Vegetarian W Weeknight

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 550

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole combines rotisserie chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots for a nostalgic dish that pleases everyone.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Casserole Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced (Diced fine.)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (For added depth, consider roasting before adding.)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (Can substitute with dried basil, oregano, and thyme.)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon rubbed sage (Thyme can be used instead.)
• 5 tablespoons butter (For a creamy richness.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup all-purpose flour (Gluten-free blend can be used.)
• 1.5 cups chicken stock (Vegetable broth can be used for vegetarian options.)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter option.)
• 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (Can use poached chicken as an alternative.)
• 12 oz. frozen peas and carrots (Fresh veggies can also be used.)
• 8 oz. shredded mild cheddar cheese (Other cheese options include pepper jack or gouda.)
• 32 oz. frozen tater tots (Potato wedges are an alternative.)
• to taste kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper (For seasoning.)
• for garnish fresh chopped parsley (Add at the end for freshness.)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat oven

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   A warm oven is key for a crispy topping.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté onions

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent.
   Mark as complete

3. Add garlic and herbs

   Toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and rubbed sage, cooking for another minute.
   Your kitchen will smell wonderful!
   Mark as complete

4. Make the roux

   Add butter to the pan. Stir until melted, then sprinkle in flour and cook for one minute.
   This is the base for your sauce.
   Mark as complete

5. Add stock and cream

   Slowly pour in chicken stock, deglazing the pan. Stir in heavy cream and heat for 1-2 minutes until thick.
   This is where the sauce gets creamy!
   Mark as complete

6. Mix in chicken and veggies

   Fold in shredded chicken, frozen peas, and carrots, seasoning to taste.
   Mark as complete

7. Assemble casserole

   Sprinkle cheese over the chicken mixture, then top with frozen tater tots.
   Be generous with the cheese!
   Mark as complete

8. Bake

   Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and casserole is bubbling.
   Broil for an extra minute for added crisp.
   Mark as complete

9. Cool and serve

   Let it sit for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
   Great served with a side salad or garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 550kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 33g51%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 700mg20%

Total Carbohydrate 40g14%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 3g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 1000 IU

Vitamin C 12 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 2 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for potlucks and easy weeknight dinners.

Keywords: chicken, casserole, tater tots, comfort food