Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken Nuggets

5 from 6 votes

Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken Nuggets

A cozy, kid-approved one-dish dinner with crispy chicken nuggets, creamy sauce, melty cheddar, and a golden tater tot topping. It comes together in about 15 minutes of hands-on prep with everyday freezer and pantry staples.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword chicken nugget tater tot casserole, chicken tater tot casserole, easy baked tater tot casserole, tater tots casserole with chicken nuggets

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings servings

Calories 370kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

Ingredients

25 chicken nuggets (or enough to cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch dish in a single layer)
2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup (use Heart Healthy variety for a lower-sodium option)
½ cup milk
1 (12 ounce) bag frozen mixed vegetables (such as peas, corn, carrots, and green beans)
8 ounces (about 2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Instructions

Bake the chicken nuggets according to package instructions until crispy.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Arrange the baked chicken nuggets in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth.
Pour the sauce evenly over the nuggets.
Top with a layer of frozen mixed vegetables.
Add a layer of shredded cheddar, and finally a layer of frozen tater tots.
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the tater tot topping is crispy and golden and the casserole is heated through. For an extra-crispy top, slide the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the very end, watching closely so the tots don't burn.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Smaller family? Cut all of the ingredients in half and bake the casserole in an 8-inch square pan. Reduce the bake time by about 5-10 minutes.
Chicken options: Use frozen chicken nuggets, crispy chicken strips, or homemade nuggets. Whatever you use, pre-bake until crispy before assembling.
Don't thaw the tots or veggies. Both go in frozen. Thawing leads to soggy texture and uneven cooking.
For the crispiest topping: Arrange tots in a single, even layer and finish under the broiler at the end.
Storage: Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes.
Make ahead: Assemble (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole, tightly wrapped in foil, for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15 to 20 minutes to the total time.

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