When it comes to planning dinner, it’s often tricky to find a filling, nourishing meal that will appeal to kids and feature a few veggies. Kind of a cross between chicken pot pie and Midwestern hot dish recipes, this chicken Tater Tot casserole ticks every box. It’s pure comfort food that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Since the casserole is made mostly from frozen ingredients and condensed soup—a classic kitchen-staple time saver—it’s a snap to assemble. Our recipe even makes a bonus dish to pop in the freezer for a rainy day. Brilliant!
Ingredients for Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: A can of creamy condensed soup makes an extra flavorful, rich base. If you’re watching your salt intake, look for low-sodium condensed soup and adjust the seasoning accordingly. And keep it creamy: You don’t want to dilute the soup before you use it.
- Milk and butter: While you don’t dilute the soup, you will add some milk to thin it out. We use 2% in this recipe, but whole or nonfat are fine to use; the latter, of course, will create a thinner sauce. Butter helps make the sauce even richer.
- Cooked chicken: Since this recipe calls for already-cooked chicken, it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken. If you have lots extra, check out more leftover chicken recipes for inspiration.
- Frozen vegetables: Using frozen peas and carrots makes prep quick and convenient. There’s no need to defrost before adding to the recipe—they go right into the sauce!
- Frozen Tater Tots: Our favorite casseroles have crunchy toppings that enliven the creamy fillings. Here, crispy Tater Tots make for a nostalgic, simple topper. Because, really, can you ever go wrong with Tater Tot recipes?
Directions
Step 1: Make the sauce
Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large saucepan, combine the soup, milk and butter. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until heated through. Remove from the heat and stir in the chicken, peas and carrots, plus 1 cup of the cheese.
Step 2: Layer the casseroles
Have two greased 8-inch square baking dishes ready. Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to the baking dishes, and top with an even layer of Tater Tots. If desired, cover and freeze one casserole for up to three months. If feeding a crowd, bake both now.
Step 3: Bake
Bake the casserole (or casseroles) until bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of cheese and bake until the cheese melts, for five minutes longer.
Recipe Variations
- Change up the soup base: As with most condensed soup casserole recipes, this one is super versatile. Instead of cream of chicken, try using different flavors, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Change up the veggies: You can add virtually any veggie to this casserole. Try frozen corn, green beans or broccoli. You may also use chopped raw red or green peppers, onions, garlic or shredded or minced zucchini. Large, slow-cooking vegetables, such as winter squash, won’t cook in time.
- Try different types of cheese: While the recipe calls for shredded cheddar, choose another favorite if you like. Good melting cheeses, such as mozzarella, pepper jack or Colby, are cozy and comforting. Goat cheese would add a tangy kick. Crumbly cheeses like feta may not work as well, since they won’t melt over the top.
Can you make chicken Tater Tot casserole ahead of time?
Yes! We love convenient make-ahead meals, and this Tater Tot casserole is a great option. Assemble the casserole a day ahead, and keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight. About 30 minutes before baking, remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature. Bake, uncovered, until it’s heated through.
How to Store Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Leftover chicken Tater Tot casserole should be kept in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to four days. Note that the casserole topping may get soggy as it sits in the fridge. Reheat, uncovered, in the oven to crisp the tots back up.
How to Freeze Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This chicken Tater Tot casserole freezes well, especially if you freeze before baking. (This recipe even calls for a double batch, so you’ll have an extra to freeze!) Simply assemble the casserole through step 2, then cover tightly and freeze for up to six months.
When ready to cook, remove the casserole from the freezer 30 minutes before baking (do not thaw). Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Cover and bake at 350° until heated through, 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Tips
What can you serve with chicken Tater Tot casserole?
This baked dish already has protein and starch covered. The rich, cozy dish would taste delicious with a fresh side such as a green salad, steamed cauliflower or broccoli, shredded Brussels sprouts or cabbage salad.
Can you make chicken Tater Tot casserole in a different size?
Instead of two 8-inch square baking dishes, you can make chicken Tater Tot casserole in any shape 2-quart baking dish, or in one 13×9-inch baking dish (it’s easy to convert a recipe from 9×13 to 8×8 and vice versa). You can also cut the recipe in half to bake a single 8×8 casserole.
