There’s just something so heartwarming about a chicken and tater tot casserole, isn’t there? It’s like a big, cozy hug on a plate! This dish brings together tender, shredded chicken and creamy goodness, all topped with crispy, golden tater tots. Trust me, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners. What I love most is how easily it comes together—just mix, layer, and bake! You don’t have to be a master chef to whip this up, and it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So, get ready to dig into a satisfying meal that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious! Let’s dive into this chicken and tater tot casserole recipe that’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie for convenience!)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (this adds creaminess and flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream (for a tangy kick and extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a blend for more flavor)
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (these are the star of the show—crispy and golden!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for that savory depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step for seasoning!)
How to Prepare the Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Preparing this chicken and tater tot casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready to enjoy in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and creamy. If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces!
- Next, pour this delicious chicken mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula—it’ll be the cozy base for our tater tots!
- Now, it’s time for the tater tots! Layer them generously on top of the chicken mixture. Feel free to get creative and arrange them in a fun pattern!
- Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Ooh, the smell will be divine!
- Finally, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to scoop out and enjoy. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—just mix, layer, and bake!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for hungry families.
- Crispy tater tots add a delightful texture contrast.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Leftover-friendly—great for meal prep and next-day lunches!
- Comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy nights in.
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken and tater tot casserole turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the mixing—make sure everything’s well combined for that creamy goodness. If you like a bit of crunch, try baking the tater tots for a few extra minutes at the end for that perfect golden finish. Also, keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes; if it’s browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. And remember, let it cool for a bit before serving—it’ll be easier to dish out and the flavors will meld beautifully!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this hearty chicken and tater tot casserole recipe. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this is a solid guideline:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This casserole is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it a great choice for a filling family meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this chicken and tater tot casserole recipe? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Absolutely! Just cook and shred the chicken first. It’s a great way to use up fresh ingredients!
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No problem! You can substitute with homemade cream sauce or use mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Peas, corn, or green beans are great options. Just mix them in with the chicken for added nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your chicken and tater tot casserole is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in either the oven or the microwave. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. In the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and warm. Enjoy that comforting goodness all over again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your chicken and tater tot casserole, I love to keep it simple and comforting. A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and brightness to the meal. You could also pair it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition. And let’s not forget about drinks! A chilled glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the hearty flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, serve it with some garlic bread on the side—because, honestly, who can resist that? Enjoy your delicious meal!
Print
Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe: 5 Cozy Comforts
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty chicken and tater tot casserole that’s easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition.
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken and tater tot casserole recipe
