Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been a total game-changer in my house. Think classic Chicken Pot Pie, that ultimate comfort food hug in a dish but kicked up a notch with crispy, golden tater tots. Yes, you heard me right. Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole is here to steal your heart (and dinner table)! What is the best of both worlds, especially if you’re like me and crave something savory and satisfying without all the fuss of making a traditional pie crust?
What is Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole?
Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole is, at its core, a chicken pot pie. Imagine all the creamy, savory goodness of the filling – tender chicken, a medley of veggies like peas, carrots, and corn, all swimming in a luscious, flavorful sauce. Instead of encasing it in a pastry crust, we’re topping it with a layer of crispy, golden tater tots. It’s essentially comfort food amplified, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together. What is a mashup between a traditional casserole and a loaded tater tot bake?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin? First, the flavor is absolutely incredible. You get that comforting, savory taste of Chicken Pot Pie with the added bonus of crispy, salty tater tots. Is this recipe a textural masterpiece? No complicated pie crust to worry about, just dump, mix, and bake! It’s also incredibly cost-efficient. Use leftover cooked chicken or a rotisserie chicken to save time and money. What I love about this Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole is how versatile it is. What are some of the best ways to add a little heat to your meal? Is this casserole the same as my Grandma’s shepherd’s pie? Is leftovers a myth?
How do you make a chicken pot pie?
Quick Overview
How do you make a Chicken Pot Pie with tots? Then, you’ll pour it into a baking dish and top it with a layer of tater tots. Finally, you’ll bake it until the tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly and delicious. The best part is that you can customize the filling to your liking, and the tater tots add a fun and satisfying crunch that everyone will love. This method is special because it takes a classic comfort food and makes it even easier to approach for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
What is the recipe for chicken pot pie filling?
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!) * 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup * 1/2 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it’s fantastic! ) * 1 cup mixed vegetables, frozen (peas, carrots, corn) * 1/2 cup chopped celery * 1/4 cup chopped onion * 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme * 1/4 teaspoon black pepper * 1 tablespoon butter * 1 tablespoon flour * 1 tablespoon salt
For the Tater Tot Topping:
* 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots (I prefer the crispy crowns)!
How do I follow step by step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This is important so nothing sticks! I learned that the hard way the first time around.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add celery and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Cooking first helps soften them up and brings out their flavor.
Step 3: Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked celery and onion, shredded chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, frozen mixed vegetables, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Is it healthy to sneak in extra veggies?
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
How do I make chicken pot pie filling in a baking dish? Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the filling, covering as much surface area as possible. It’s like creating a little tater tot fortress!
Step 5: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the tots from burning. I always set a timer for 30 minutes and check every few minutes after that.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ideas for a chicken pot pie tot casserole?
For a Light Lunch: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the richness of the casserole.
What is a hearty dinner? Serve it with a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for a more substantial meal.
For a Potluck:What is a great casserole for potlucks?
For a Cozy Night In:What is the best way to serve tater tots in tomato soup?
Growing up, we’d always have chicken pot pie with a side of cranberry sauce, and honestly, it’s still a winning combo with this casserole. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the pot pie filling beautifully.
How do you make a chicken pot pie?
What are some tips for making a chicken pot pie tot casserole?
Chicken Prep:Is it safe to use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Vegetable Variety: Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. I often add mushrooms, diced potatoes, or even some chopped spinach for extra nutrients.
Creamy Sauce: If you want an extra creamy sauce, you can add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the filling. It adds a lovely richness.
Tater Tot Placement: For maximum crispiness, arrange the tater tots in a single layer and make sure they’re not overcrowded. This allows them to get nice and golden brown.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the casserole while it’s baking, and adjust the baking time as needed. You want the tater tots to be golden brown and crispy, and the filling to be bubbly and heated through.
Flavor Boost:Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling to give it a nice little kick. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor too.
One time, I accidentally used cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken, and it was still delicious!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How can I make Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole?
Room Temperature:I wouldn’t leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: What is theHow do I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days?
How do you prepare a freezerFor longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating:To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen), then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
How do you reheat tater tots in an air fryer?
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What’s your go-to recipe for chicken pot pie and tots? What is the best combination of creamy chicken filling and crispy tater tots? If you’re a fan of easy casseroles, you might also enjoy my recipe.Lazy Lasagna Casserole. or my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole.What do you think of this recipe?
Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups shredded cooked chicken Use rotisserie chicken for convenience
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package frozen tater tots 16 oz package
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, and cream of chicken soup.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture.
- Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
