Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Bake (Printable)

Comforting casserole loaded with chicken, crispy tots, and three types of cheese for an easy family dinner.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix, thawed

→ Dairy

04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
05 - 1 cup sour cream
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ Pantry Staples

07 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
08 - 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped onion, thawed peas and carrots, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
03 - Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer across the bottom.
04 - Place the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the entire surface of the chicken filling.
05 - Pour the melted butter evenly over the arranged tater tots to promote browning during baking.
06 - Bake uncovered at 375°F for 40 minutes until the tater tots begin to crisp and the filling bubbles at the edges.
07 - Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
08 - Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in one bowl and one dish, which means cleanup is almost nonexistent on nights when you barely have the energy to stand.
  • The contrast between that shatteringly crisp tater tot crown and the creamy, savory filling underneath is genuinely addictive.
02 -
  • Do not thaw the tater tots before arranging them on top or they will turn soggy and never achieve that satisfying crunch you are after.
  • Resist the urge to add the final cheese at the beginning because it will burn and turn bitter before the tots have finished crisping.
03 -
  • Squeeze excess moisture from thawed frozen vegetables with a paper towel before mixing them in or your casserole will weep water into the bottom of the dish.
  • Let the casserole rest those five minutes before serving because the filling sets up beautifully and actually stays on your spoon instead of sliding right off.

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