Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Before You Get Started

A few simple tips will make sure your casserole turns out just right every time:

• Rotisserie chicken works great here, but any cooked shredded chicken will do. Try this slow cooker shredded chicken if you want to cook it at home.
• Using two types of cream soup adds both flavor and richness without extra work.
• Milk or chicken broth will loosen the sauce. For an extra creamy dish, try whole milk or half-and-half.
• Mini tater tots tend to crisp up more evenly than the larger kind. You don’t need to thaw the tots before adding them to the casserole.
• Don’t forget to preheat the oven. A hot oven helps the tots cook up golden and crunchy.

** Tip: While it’s not at all necessary, if your chicken is still warm when you stir it into the sauce, the mixture will blend together more smoothly.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Make the Filling

Start by whisking together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder in a big mixing bowl. Once smooth, stir in the shredded chicken and corn. It should look thick and cozy (just the way you want it).

** Tip: Taste the mixture before adding salt. The soups already have plenty, so you may only need pepper for balance.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Layer the Tots

Pour the filling into a greased 9 x 13-inch dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then arrange the tater tots in neat rows. This helps them crisp instead of steaming.

** Tip: If you’re cooking with kids, let them help line up the tots. It makes the prep fun and keeps little hands busy.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden

Slide the dish into a 375°F oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the tots are crisp. For extra crunch, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye on it so they don’t burn. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

** Flavor Boost: For even more flavor on top, sprinkle French fried onions over the tater tots during the final 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Garnish and Enjoy

Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh herbs or sliced green onions for a bright, flavorful finishing touch. Good options include fresh parsley, basil, thyme, or chives. Serve the casserole straight from the dish for the ultimate family-style dinner.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken tater tot casserole with a basket of cranberry muffins, pumpkin bread, Southern fried apples, roasted broccoli, green bean casserole with frozen green beans, brown sugar glazed carrots, oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, or a simple green salad dressed in Dijon vinaigrette.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken tater tot casserole is easy to adapt to your family’s tastes. Try one of these twists:

• Soup Swap: use cream of celery or double up on one flavor.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Version: Add crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add black beans and stir in taco seasoning and a can of Rotel.
• Cheese Twist: try Monterey Jack, Colby, Swiss, or mozzarella. Make it extra cheesy by adding grated cheese to the filling.
• Veggie Swap: use frozen peas, green beans, frozen mixed vegetables, thawed frozen broccoli florets, or sauteed mushrooms. Canned vegetables work, too.
• Different Toppings: try canned biscuits (like this chicken pot pie with biscuits) or puff pastry instead of tater tots.
• Lightened-Up: Use low-sodium soups and reduced-fat dairy.
• Crock Pot Method: Heat the filling in the slow cooker (about 2 hours on LOW or 1 hour on HIGH). Bake the tots separately, and add them just before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Freezing: Wrap the unbaked casserole in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Leftovers: Store the cooked casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, until warm. Uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the tots again.

** Tip: Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want crispy tots. The oven is your friend here.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are my tater tots soggy? Make sure they’re in a single layer. Broiling at the end also helps crisp them up.
• Can I use chicken broth instead of milk? Yes, but the filling will be a little thinner. Add a spoonful of sour cream if you want to thicken it up.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Absolutely. Freeze it before baking for the best results.
• How do I make it lower sodium? Choose low-sodium soups (like the Healthy Heart variety) and skip the added salt. Fresh herbs brighten the flavor without relying on salt.
• Can I add more veggies? Definitely. Broccoli, peas, or green beans all work well.