Welcome to the ultimate comfort food recipe: Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Packed with tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and a creamy, savory sauce, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Read on for a detailed guide on how to make this delicious recipe, along with tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions.

What is Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a popular American dish that combines shredded cooked chicken, tater tots, cheese, and a creamy sauce into a baked casserole. The result is a warm, comforting meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. The casserole is typically topped with crispy tater tots that add a delightful crunch to every bite, while the chicken and cheese create a rich and creamy filling.
Ingredients List for Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
To make this delicious Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- Shredded Cooked Chicken (3 cups): Use leftover rotisserie chicken, or boil/bake chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked, then shred or chop. For added flavor, season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper while cooking. Turkey can be used as a substitute for a lighter version.
- Sour Cream (2 cups): Adds creaminess and tanginess to the casserole, enriching the overall flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz.): Acts as a binding agent for the ingredients, contributing to the creamy texture and savory taste. Cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be used too.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (2 tablespoons): Provides a burst of herbs and spices that enhance the dish's flavor complexity.
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): You can use minced fresh garlic; about 1 clove equals ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon): Gives a mild onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.
- Chopped Cooked Bacon (1 cup): Cook bacon until crispy, then chop. This adds a smoky, savory element to the casserole. Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon substitutes will work as well.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Medium or sharp cheddar adds more flavor, but mild can be used for a softer taste. You can use a blend of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Frozen Tater Tots (1 bag, 32 oz.): No need to thaw; use straight from the freezer to maintain the texture.
- Chopped Green Onions (½ cup, optional for garnish): Adds color and a fresh, sharp flavor to brighten up the dish. Chives or parsley will work too.
Substitutions and Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with turkey for a lighter version. You can also use ground beef or pork for a different twist.
- Soup: Swap out the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon for a healthier or meatless option.
- Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add more texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to cook Chicken Tater Tot Casserole step-by-step:

- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook your chicken breasts or thighs until fully done, then shred or chop them.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Add More Cheese: In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Seasoning the Chicken: Make sure to season your chicken while cooking for added flavor.
- Using Thawed Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots will hold their shape better and become crispier when baked.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent the cheese from burning or the tater tots from becoming too dark.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven.
- Pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Offer additional toppings like sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Garnish with chopped green onions, chives, or parsley for a burst of color.
- Serve in individual portions on colorful plates to make the meal visually appealing.
- Use a decorative casserole dish to elevate the presentation.
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. This can save time on busy evenings.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding additional baking time as needed.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
- Yes, but you will need to cook and dice them before using.
- Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein and use vegetarian bacon.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for quicker results.
- Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
- Yes, adding vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
- Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
- Use dairy-free sour cream, cheese, and cream soup substitutes to make the casserole dairy-free.
Conclusion
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, savory flavors with the satisfying crunch of tater tots. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with substitutions and variations, this casserole is sure to
PrintChicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a savory and creamy dish featuring shredded chicken, bacon, cheese, and tater tots. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole combines rich flavors with simple ingredients like sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Shredded Cooked Chicken (3 cups)
- Sour Cream (2 cups)
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz.)
- Ranch Seasoning Mix (2 tablespoons)
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon)
- Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon)
- Chopped Cooked Bacon (1 cup)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups)
- Frozen Tater Tots (1 bag, 32 oz.)
- Chopped Green Onions (½ cup, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in the chopped bacon and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with an even layer of frozen tater tots.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use turkey instead of chicken.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery.
- Add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Use different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for varied flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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