Irresistible Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: A Comfort Food Favorite
Get a flavor packed chicken tater tot casserole recipe and recipe instructions! Get everything below!
Craving a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor? Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Combining savory chicken, crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
This easy-to-make dish has become a staple in many households, thanks to its versatility and undeniable deliciousness. Let’s explore how to whip up this delightful recipe.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like chicken, cheese, and soup, this recipe requires minimal prep.
- Quick Assembly: With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your family’s taste by adding vegetables, swapping proteins, or experimenting with spices.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love the crispy tater tots and cheesy, creamy filling.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Shredded or chopped cooked chicken serves as the protein base. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience.
- Tater Tots: The star of the dish, these crispy potato bites add texture and flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese creates the gooey, melted topping that makes this casserole irresistible.
- Cream of Soup: A can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup forms the creamy base.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the filling.
- Bacon: Crumbled cooked bacon provides a smoky, savory element.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning mix enhance the flavors.
- Optional Garnish: Chopped green onions add a fresh, colorful touch.
How to Make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Follow these easy steps to create a casserole that’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside:
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of chopped cooked bacon. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer frozen tater tots on top in a single, even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
4. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake, uncovered, for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Crispy Tots: For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Even Layers: Arrange tater tots in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly.
- Season Generously: Don’t skip the seasonings – they bring depth and balance to the dish.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with these sides:
- A fresh green salad for a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Garlic bread or rolls for extra comfort food vibes.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Variations to Try
- Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, carrots, corn, or green beans for added nutrition.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Switch Proteins: Substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or ham.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby cheese.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of mushroom or chicken soup
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (32 oz.) bag frozen tater tots
- ½ cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, sour cream, soup, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 cup cheese, and bacon.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish. Layer tater tots on top, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for More
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
With its crispy topping, creamy filling, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll turn to time and time again.
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to impress.
Try it tonight and discover why this comfort food classic is a favorite in kitchens everywhere!
