Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This Chicken Tater Tot Casserole combines the nostalgic comfort of crispy tater tots with a creamy, savory chicken filling that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this casserole has become my go-to solution for satisfying comfort food cravings.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something that would please the whole family. The first time I made it, there was a moment of silence at the dinner table followed by emphatic requests for seconds. Now it appears on our monthly rotation without fail.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and building flavor
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness when cooked down
• Garlic cloves: Provide essential flavor depth, look for firm heads with tight skin
• Italian seasoning: Creates a familiar herb profile without measuring multiple spices
• Rubbed sage: Brings an earthy warmth, choose fresh rubbed sage for the most potent flavor
• Butter: Forms the base of our roux, select unsalted to control sodium levels
• All-purpose flour: Thickens our sauce without introducing additional flavors
• Chicken stock: Provides rich savory notes, homemade is best but quality boxed works well
• Heavy cream: Creates luxurious texture and richness
• Rotisserie chicken: Saves significant prep time while providing tender seasoned meat
• Frozen peas and carrots: Offer convenience and color, no need to thaw first
• Mild cheddar cheese: Creates the perfect melty layer, sharp cheddar works if you prefer more tang
• Frozen tater tots: Are the crispy crown, premium brands give the best texture
• Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors without tasting overly salty
• Fresh cracked pepper: Adds subtle heat and dimension
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F and allow it to fully preheat while you prepare the filling. This ensures your casserole cooks evenly from the moment it goes in.

Build The Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your diced onion along with a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for a full 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning but allowing some caramelization. The onions should become translucent and just begin to turn golden at the edges.

Incorporate Aromatics And Herbs:

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and rubbed sage to the softened onions along with another light seasoning of salt and pepper. Cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The spices will become fragrant as their essential oils release.

Create The Roux:

Add butter to the pan and stir until completely melted into the aromatics. Sprinkle the flour evenly over everything in the pan and stir vigorously to eliminate any lumps. Continue cooking for another minute while stirring constantly. The mixture will look paste-like and slightly golden this is perfect.

Develop The Sauce Base:

Pour in the chicken stock very gradually about a quarter cup at a time while continuously stirring. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan these contain concentrated flavor. The mixture will initially seize up when you add liquid but will smooth out as you continue adding stock and stirring.

Enrich The Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until completely incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it noticeably thickens and coats the back of a spoon. You should see the texture change from liquid to creamy. If it becomes too thick, add a splash more stock.

Add Protein And Vegetables:

Fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas and carrots along with another light seasoning of salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Cook just until everything is well combined and beginning to warm through about 1 minute. The sauce should fully envelop all components.

Assemble The Casserole:

Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Distribute the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, creating a complete layer that will melt into the filling below.

Crown With Tater Tots:

Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the entire surface of the casserole. For maximum crispiness, place them in neat rows without overcrowding. This allows proper air circulation for browning.

Bake To Golden Perfection:

Place the assembled casserole in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes. The casserole is ready when the tater tots are deeply golden and crispy, and you can see the filling bubbling around the edges of the dish. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Rest Before Serving:

Remove the finished casserole from the oven and let it rest for a full 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the bubbling sauce to settle and thicken slightly, making it easier to serve intact portions.

Garnish And Serve:

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish. Serve generous portions while still hot.

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You Must Know

This casserole has saved countless weeknight dinners in my home. My favorite aspect is how the cream sauce infuses into the chicken while the tots stay perfectly crispy on top. I once served this at a potluck where three different people asked for the recipe before the night was over.

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Make Ahead Options

This casserole shines as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare the entire chicken and vegetable filling up to two days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow the filling to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then top with cheese and tater tots before baking. Expect to add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time if the filling is still cold from the refrigerator. This preparation approach actually allows the flavors to meld even more beautifully.

Storage And Reheating

Leftovers maintain their quality remarkably well. Store cooled casserole in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The best reheating method is in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, which helps restore some crispness to the tater tots. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but sacrifices the textural contrast that makes this dish special. I recommend portioning leftovers before storing to make reheating quicker and more efficient.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Try using leftover turkey after Thanksgiving or substitute ground beef browned with the onions for a different protein option. The vegetable component is equally flexible—substitute frozen mixed vegetables, add sautéed mushrooms, or incorporate steamed broccoli florets. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. My family enjoys a breakfast variation with crumbled bacon and breakfast sausage topped with tots and finished with sunny-side-up eggs after baking.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole stands alone as a complete meal, light sides complement it beautifully. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. For casual gatherings, offer additional toppings like sour cream, sliced green onions, or hot sauce for guests to customize their portions. When serving for company, elevate the presentation by baking in individual gratin dishes for an impressive personal portion that maintains maximum crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken instead of rotisserie, but you'll need to cook it first. Dice about 1.5 pounds of chicken breast or thighs and cook it thoroughly in the pan before adding the onions. Continue with the recipe as directed once the chicken is fully cooked.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won't be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk works well, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

→ Can I use different vegetables?

Yes! While peas and carrots work beautifully, you can substitute with corn, green beans, broccoli florets, or any vegetable mix you prefer. Just ensure they're cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For better texture, reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

→ Can this casserole be frozen?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely first. Either way, it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.