There’s just something about casseroles that wraps you in a warm hug, don’t you think? They’re the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gathering around the table with family and friends. My favorite? This chicken and tater tot casserole recipe! I remember the first time I made it for my family—it was a chilly evening, and the aroma of that creamy, cheesy goodness filled the kitchen. As soon as I pulled it out of the oven, my kids raced to the table, their eyes wide with excitement. The crispy tater tots on top are always a hit, and the way it brings everyone together for a cozy meal is just magic. Trust me, this dish is sure to become a cherished family favorite!
Ingredients for Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole
To whip up this delicious chicken and tater tot casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I often use rotisserie chicken for ease!)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream (for that creamy texture)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better!)
- 1 bag tater tots (32 oz, crispy and golden)
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (for a pop of color and nutrition)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds a nice depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always essential!)
These ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious chicken and tater tot casserole! It’s all about layering flavors and textures to create something truly special. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key here, as it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and gives that crispy top we all love. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. I always add the frozen mixed vegetables next, followed by the garlic powder and onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy—don’t be afraid to get in there with a spatula! You want it to be well combined but still have some texture from the chicken and veggies.
Assemble the Casserole
Now, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread that delicious chicken mixture evenly in the bottom. This is where the magic begins! After that, take your bag of tater tots and layer them on top in a single, even layer. They’ll get all crispy and golden as they bake!
Baking the Casserole
Pop your assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Hearty and filling, perfect for hungry families.
- Kid-friendly—everyone loves those crispy tater tots on top!
- One-dish meal means easy cleanup—yes, please!
- Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again later!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken and tater tot casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also adds amazing flavor. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust to your liking. To avoid sogginess, make sure the tater tots are spread in a single layer on top; this helps them get that delightful crunch. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your casserole game!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this hearty chicken and tater tot casserole is packed with flavor and nutrition. You can expect approximately 350 calories, 18g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates per cup. These values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the satisfying goodness you’re about to enjoy!
FAQ About Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole
Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding it for the casserole.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries! You can substitute it with homemade cream of mushroom soup or a simple white sauce if you prefer.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store any leftovers of this delicious chicken and tater tot casserole, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven helps maintain that crispy top we all love! Enjoy every last bite!
Drucken
Chicken and Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Kalorienarme
Beschreibung
A hearty chicken and tater tot casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy tater tots.
Zutaten
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 bag tater tots (32 oz)
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with an even layer of tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Casserole
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 18g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: chicken and tater tot casserole recipe
