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Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe


  • Total Time: 45-70 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

Easy, comforting Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with creamy sauce, shredded chicken, crispy tater tots, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (16 ounce) package frozen tater tots
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken, if needed)
  • Salt to taste (for cooking chicken, if needed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken (if needed): Pat chicken breasts dry and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or pan-fry over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Let cool slightly and shred.
  2. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  3. Incorporate the Chicken: Add shredded chicken to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let it Rest: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with chopped green onions.
  11. Serve: Serve hot.

Notes

  • Add Vegetables: Frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables can be added to the chicken mixture.
  • Cheese Variations: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses can be used.
  • Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
  • Soup Substitutions: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken.
  • Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and whole wheat tater tots.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes