Chicken Tater tot Casserole

Key Ingredients for Tater Tot Chicken Casserole:

• Chicken breast or chicken thigh. You can use leftover chicken, shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or chicken breast. Chicken thigh is great in this recipe too because its great flavor and doesn’t dry out as easily. Use what your family prefers.
• Cream of chicken soup. I prefer the low-sodium varieties. You can use cream of mushroom or condensed cheddar cheese soup for a more savory flavor, if you prefer.
• Creamed corn. Use an additional can of soup if you prefer but the creamed corn adds a nice texture and flavor.
• Frozen Peas and Carrots or frozen mixed vegetables. Or whatever your family prefers. You can add the frozen mixed vegetables directly without thawing. Keeping it easy!
• Tater Tots. You’ll need a whole big bag of frozen tater tots. Try sweet potato tater tots for a fun change!
• Mozzarella cheese. For the alfredo vibe I like to use mozzarella. Swap it for cheddar cheese or Pepperjack. Pre shredded cheese is great to keep it easy!

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?

In short, yes! All that really matters is that you don’t use raw chicken. Use shredded chicken or cut into bite sized pieces. If you’re in a bind, you can even use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken.  And don’t forget, chicken thigh works just as well as chicken breast.

Can I use canned veggies instead of frozen mixed vegetables?

It really comes down to your preferences. Try broccoli, green beans, or even cauliflower if your family prefers. Frozen vegetables will taste fresher than canned vegetables. If you use canned, be sure to drain them well so you don’t add too much liquid to your dish–no one likes soggy tater tots.

Can I sub cheddar cheese for the mozzarella?

Again, this comes down to taste and preferences. Any cheese will technically work. But if you want that yummy chicken alfredo flavor, your best bet is to stick with mozzarella. 

How to Make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe:

1. Saute the diced onion and the chicken breast and saute until the chicken breast is no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
2. Stir in the spices and cook for an additional 1 minute.
3. Pour the cooked meat and onions into a greased baking dish. Spread the frozen veggies and creamed corn evenly over the top. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the veggies.
4. Add the mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Place the frozen tater tots evenly on top of the mixture in straight lines.
6. Bake.
7. Let cool down and enjoy!

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken Tater Tot Casserole! All you need to do is prepare it in a freezer-to-oven-safe casserole dish (or disposable aluminum pan), then wrap the baking dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and stick it in the freezer–unbaked!–for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw it and bake it according to the instructions, but expect it to add an extra 30 minutes or so to the baking time.

Reheating

I prefer to reheat chicken tater tot hotdish in the oven in the original baking dish. You may want to add a tablespoon or two of water around the edges, then cover and bake until it’s heated through. To reheat individual portions, you can use the microwave or the air fryer if you want it a little crispy.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. I sometimes like to store mine in individual portions for quick lunches the next few days!

Make Ahead

If you’re busy the day of, you can make chicken tater tot casserole ahead of time! Prepare the dish but instead of popping it in the oven, pop it in the fridge (or freezer–see freezing instructions). When you’re ready to bake it, you will want to set it out 30-60 minutes before baking and/or be sure to take on a few extra minutes for the bake time.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

I have never made this recipe in a slow cooker, but you can certainly try it! Keep in mind that the texture likely won’t be the same as the tater tots may be more on the mushy side than crispy. I would remove the cover and cook for an hour or so, so the tater tots get crispy.

What should I serve with chicken tater tot casserole?

Honestly, my favorite side dish for chicken tater tot casserole is a simple salad with your favorite dressing. When it’s cold outside, it would also pair great with a cozy mashed cauliflower or squash and some cornbread. You can pair this comfort food with just about any of your favorite sides.