Name: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken; 2 cups sour cream; 1 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom or chicken soup; 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; 1 cup chopped cooked bacon; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 32 oz. bag frozen tater tots; 1/2 cup chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

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This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole has chicken, cheese, bacon, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and tater tots. You can make it ahead of time and put it in the fridge or freeze it for later. It's great for an easy dinner during the week or to take to a potluck where it's sure to be a hit.

Chicken And Tater Tot Casserole

This chicken tater tot casserole is comforting and brings back good memories with its cheesy chicken filling and golden tater tots! It's easy to make with a few basic ingredients you might already have. Perfect for a quick dish to take to a party or for dinner. Kids love it too, and even fussy eaters will enjoy it. With tater tots, ranch flavor, cheddar cheese, and chicken, it's all you need for a yummy meal!

If you love casserole dishes, be sure to check out these mouthwatering recipes: Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole, and Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

✅You'll Need

Shredded Cooked Chicken (3 cups): Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly cooked chicken. Here’s a simple method for Boiling Chicken Breasts for easy shredding. Turkey can be used as a substitute for a lighter version.
Sour Cream (2 cups): Adds creaminess and tanginess to the casserole, enriching the overall flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz.): Acts as a binding agent for the ingredients, contributing to the creamy texture and savory taste. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used too.
Ranch Seasoning Mix (2 tablespoons): Provides a burst of herbs and spices that enhance the dish's flavor complexity.
Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): You can use minced fresh garlic; about 1 clove equals ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): Gives a mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
Chopped Cooked Bacon (1 cup): Cook bacon until crispy, then chop. This adds a smoky, savory element to the casserole. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon substitutes will work as well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Medium or sharp cheddar adds more flavor, but mild can be used for a softer taste. You can use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese for different flavor profiles.
Frozen Tater Tots (1 bag, 32 oz.): No need to thaw; use straight from the freezer to maintain the texture.
Chopped Green Onions (½ cup, optional for garnish): Adds color and a fresh, sharp flavor to brighten up the dish. Chives or parsley will work too.

🔪How to Make Chicken And Tater Tot Casserole

Before you start assembling your dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 3.5-liter casserole dish and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sour cream, soup, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, bacon, and cheese. Gently mix in the frozen tater tots. Then, transfer the mixture into the baking dish.

Place the baking dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 40-45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the mixture is bubbly and thoroughly heated.

👨‍🍳 Recipe Tips

Pre-Cook Your Chicken: For convenience, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store. If cooking chicken specifically for this recipe, consider seasoning it with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor.
Cheese Varieties: While we recommend cheddar cheese for its sharpness and meltability, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack can offer a nice stretchiness and mild flavor.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or using a spicy ranch seasoning mix. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Vegetable Additions: For a more nutritious twist, mix in some frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or corn to the chicken mixture before baking. This is a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
Crispy Topping: For an extra crispy tater tot topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

🗄️ Storage

After cooling to room temperature, cover your Chicken Tater Tot Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer it to an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days for the best quality.

Freezing

To freeze the casserole before baking, assemble the dish without baking and cover it tightly with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake it straight from the freezer. Preheat your oven as directed in the recipe, and add extra cooking time. Cover with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the top from burning, then remove foil to finish.

Reheating

Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). If the casserole was stored in the fridge, remove the cover. For a frozen casserole, see the freezing and reheating instructions below. Place the casserole in the oven and heat until it's warmed through. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes for refrigerated leftovers.
Microwave: For individual servings, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir if possible and check at intervals to avoid overheating. Note: The tater tot topping may not be as crispy when reheated in the microwave.

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Variations

Broccoli Cheese Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Mix in 2 cups of chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen) with the chicken mixture for added nutrients. Substitute half of the cheddar cheese with Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. Top with French fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking for a crispy finish.
Alfredo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Use 1 cup of Alfredo sauce instead of sour cream. Mix in 1 cup of cooked spinach for a creamy spinach Alfredo version. Top with a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Add 2 diced jalapeños (remove seeds for less heat) and 1 package of cream cheese to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for even more heat.

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Print Recipe

Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Dive into the ultimate comfort food with Chicken Tater Tot Casserole! A cozy blend of creamy chicken, cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for family dinners, it's a hearty, easy-to-make dish that's sure to become a favorite.

Author: chefjar

Prep Time5

Cook Time40

Servings:

Calories: 435kcal

Ingredients

3 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
2 cups sour cream
1 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom or chicken soup
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup chopped cooked bacon
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 32 oz. bag frozen tater tots
½ cup chopped green onions for garnish optional

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9x13-inch baking dish or 3.5 liter casserole dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray, then put it aside for later use.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, sour cream, soup, Ranch mix, garlic powder, onion powder, bacon, and cheese. Gently mix in the frozen tater tots. Then, transfer the mixture into the baking dish.
Bake in the oven without covering for 40-45 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Chicken: You can use either freshly cooked, shredded chicken or opt for a quicker alternative like canned chicken or rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. If you prefer, leftover turkey works great as well.
Tater Tots: For a crispier top layer, consider broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella or even a bit of pepper jack for some heat can add an interesting twist.

Preparation Tips

Make-Ahead: This casserole is a great make-ahead meal. Assemble it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going straight from fridge to oven.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. It's perfect for meal planning.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Customizations

Sauce Variations: While cream of mushroom soup is the classic choice, don't hesitate to try cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
Spice It Up: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.

Nutrition

Course: Casserole recipes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken casserole recipes, chicken tater tot casserole

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