Cheesy Tater Tot Chicken Bake
Indulge in this heartwarming Cheesy Tater Tot Chicken Bake, a beloved family recipe passed down from my grandmother. This dish perfectly combines tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and a hearty layer of crispy tater tots, all topped with a generous sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese. The rich flavors have been enhanced over the years with special touches that make it irresistibly delicious. Enjoy it for dinner, and savor the delightful leftovers, as each day brings even more flavor to this comforting casserole. It’s the ultimate one-dish meal that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
3 (cooked and diced)
cream of chicken soup
10.5 ounces (canned)
diced celery
1/4 cup (fresh)
diced onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
milk
optional
frozen peas
1 cup (uncooked)
Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
frozen tater tots
24 ounces (frozen)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, add the chicken breasts, diced celery, and diced onion with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3
Strain the celery and onion from the pot and discard them, keeping the remaining broth. Return the broth to the pot and continue to boil until it reduces to about 1 cup. If the broth reduces too much, simply add enough milk to measure 1 cup.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, strained celery and onion, frozen peas, Miracle Whip, cream of chicken soup, and the reduced broth. Mix until well combined.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and pour the chicken mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture.
8
Layer the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese, ensuring even coverage.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
10
Let it cool slightly before serving. ENJOY!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Tater Tot Chicken Bake?
It is a heartwarming family casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, topped with a layer of crispy tater tots.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should be baked for about 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many chicken breasts are used?
The recipe calls for 3 boneless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be boiled with diced celery and onion, then diced into bite-sized pieces.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth in the recipe?
The broth is reduced to 1 cup and mixed into the chicken base to provide rich flavor and moisture.
What should I do if the broth reduces to less than 1 cup?
If the broth reduces too much, you can add enough milk to the remaining liquid to measure 1 cup.
What kind of canned soup is needed?
The recipe uses one 10.5-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
How much cheese is required for the topping?
You will need 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Does this recipe include Miracle Whip?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of Miracle Whip are added to the mixture for a unique creamy flavor.
How many tater tots are used in the bake?
A 24-ounce package of frozen tater tots is required to cover the top.
Are the peas used in this recipe frozen or fresh?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of frozen, uncooked peas.
How much celery and onion do I need?
You need 1/4 cup of diced celery and 1/2 cup of diced onion.
How long do I boil the chicken?
The chicken should be boiled for approximately 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the 9x13-inch baking dish before adding the chicken mixture.
What is the order of layering the ingredients?
Spread the chicken mixture evenly, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and then layer the frozen tater tots on top.
Can this recipe be considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a One Dish Meal as it contains protein, vegetables, and starches in one pan.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a beloved family recipe passed down from the creator's grandmother.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The bake is ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Are the leftovers good?
Yes, the recipe notes that leftovers are delightful and often have even more flavor the next day.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, letting the dish cool slightly before serving is recommended.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe has an ingredient count of 9 items.
What are some of the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken casserole, tater tot recipe, comfort food, and easy dinner.
How much water is used to boil the chicken?
3 cups of water are used to boil the chicken breasts with the celery and onion.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory, cheesy, and comforting dish with a creamy base and a hearty texture.
What is the preparation for the vegetables used in the mix?
The celery and onion are diced fresh before boiling with the chicken.
What type of cheese is used for the shredded layer?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded cheddar cheese.
Is milk a mandatory ingredient?
Milk is listed as optional, used primarily to adjust the amount of liquid for the chicken mixture.