Crispy Tater Tot Chicken Casserole
Crispy Tater Tot Chicken Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic chicken pot pie, featuring a hearty filling of tender chicken, colorful mixed vegetables, and creamy soup, all topped with a crispy layer of golden tater tots. This comfort food favorite is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Serve it with a fresh salad and slices of warm bread for a complete meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It's a great dish to prepare ahead of time or to double up for leftovers that can be frozen and reheated later. Enjoy the deliciousness of home-cooked goodness with a convenient, one-dish meal that brings smiles to the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen tater tots
2 lb
Chopped onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 small (pressed)
Butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon
Diced cooked chicken
2 cups (cooked and diced)
Milk
1/4 cup
Frozen mixed vegetables
10 ounces (frozen)
Cream of chicken soup
10.75 ounces (undiluted)
Dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter or heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and pressed garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the diced cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup (do not dilute), and milk. Season with dried thyme and black pepper. Mix well and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and bubbly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4
After it starts bubbling, cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes while stirring frequently.
5
Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6
Top the chicken mixture with an even layer of frozen tater tots, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden and slightly crispy.
8
For best results, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Tater Tot Chicken Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish featuring a hearty filling of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy soup, topped with a layer of golden, crispy tater tots.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to bake?
It takes about 40 minutes in the oven until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either butter or olive oil to sauté the onion and garlic.
Does the chicken need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of diced cooked chicken.
Should I dilute the cream of chicken soup?
No, use one 10.75-ounce can of cream of chicken soup undiluted.
What vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables.
How many tater tots do I need?
You will need a 2 lb bag of frozen tater tots.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should I grease the casserole dish?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased casserole dish.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
What seasonings are included in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is there milk in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk is added to the chicken and vegetable mixture.
How long should I cook the mixture on the stove before baking?
Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until hot and bubbly, then cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it is a great dish to prepare ahead of time or to double up for leftovers.
Is this casserole freezer friendly?
Yes, it is mentioned as a freezer-friendly meal that can be frozen and reheated later.
Why should I let the casserole sit after baking?
Letting it sit for 5 minutes before serving helps the filling set for better results.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It pairs well with a fresh salad and slices of warm bread.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 small garlic cloves, pressed.
How much onion is used?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How do I ensure the tater tots are crispy?
Baking them for 40 minutes at 375°F ensures they become golden and slightly crispy.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal once the stove-top prep is transferred to the baking dish.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of pressed?
The recipe specifies 2 small pressed garlic cloves for the best infusion of flavor.
What makes this a twist on chicken pot pie?
It replaces the traditional pastry crust with a layer of crispy tater tots.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein is 2 cups of diced cooked chicken.
Do I need to stir the mixture while it's in the skillet?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while it becomes bubbly, and frequently during the final 5 minutes of covered cooking.
How should the tater tots be arranged?
They should be placed in an even layer ensuring they cover the entire surface of the chicken mixture.
Can I double the recipe for a large crowd?
Yes, the recipe suggests doubling up for leftovers or large family gatherings.
Does this recipe include any herbs?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: tater tots, onion, garlic, butter/oil, chicken, milk, mixed vegetables, soup, thyme, and pepper.