There’s something about casserole dishes that just screams comfort, isn’t there? They’re like a warm hug on a plate, especially when it’s chilly outside. My chicken and tater tot casserole recipe is a perfect example of this cozy charm. Picture this: a creamy, savory filling made with tender shredded chicken, vibrant mixed veggies, and a luscious sauce, all topped off with golden, crispy tater tots. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table! I remember making this for a family gathering last fall, and let me tell you, it was a huge hit! The kids were clamoring for seconds while the adults reminisced about their own childhood favorites. Trust me, this recipe is more than a meal; it’s a way to create warm memories with the ones you love.
Ingredients for Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Gather these simple yet satisfying ingredients to whip up my delightful chicken and tater tot casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover or rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy goodness)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella, packed tightly)
- 1 bag (32 oz) tater tots (the star of the show!)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (you can choose your favorites)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients combine to create a hearty, comforting dish that’s simply irresistible!
How to Prepare Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your casserole bakes evenly and those tater tots get that golden crunch we all love!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, and the frozen mixed vegetables. Pour in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy—this is where the magic starts!
Next, spread this delicious chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. It should look inviting already! Now, here comes the fun part: top it all off with a single layer of tater tots, making sure every inch is covered. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before diving in!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Super easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
- Kid-friendly and loved by the whole family.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have.
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay!
- Great for leftovers, making it a fantastic meal prep option.
Tips for Success with Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
To make your chicken and tater tot casserole truly shine, here are some of my best tips! First, if you want to mix things up, try adding different veggies like broccoli or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they’re thawed before mixing in.
For those perfectly crispy tater tots, don’t overcrowd them on top—give each little tot some space to get golden and crunchy. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so check for doneness around the 30-minute mark. You want that delightful golden brown without overcooking your filling!
Nutritional Information for Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this hearty dish! Each serving of my chicken and tater tot casserole (which is about 1/6 of the casserole) contains approximately 350 calories. You’ll get around 20g of fat, with 10g being saturated fat. It also provides about 18g of protein, making it a satisfying meal. Plus, there are about 30g of carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients!
Common Questions About Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear about my chicken and tater tot casserole recipe:
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked? Absolutely! Just cook and shred the chicken beforehand. You can even season it to add more flavor.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? No problem! You can substitute it with homemade cream sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different twist.
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat in the oven for that crispy topping!
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! It freezes well, just be sure to cover it tightly before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Can I customize the vegetables? For sure! Feel free to swap in any veggies you like—peas, carrots, or even bell peppers work great!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This chicken and tater tot casserole is a meal on its own, but why not elevate it with some tasty sides? I love serving it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. You could also pair it with some steamed broccoli or roasted veggies for a pop of color and nutrition. And don’t forget some crusty bread on the side to soak up that creamy goodness—yum!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes to get those tater tots crispy again. You can also microwave individual portions, but they may not be as crunchy. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Cozy Comfort
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty chicken and tater tot casserole with creamy sauce and golden tater tots on top.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 bag tater tots (32 oz)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chicken mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with tater tots in a single layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some herbs on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken and tater tot casserole recipe
