• 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.