Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
What makes this chicken tater tot casserole so special is the combination of textures and flavors. Tender chunks of chicken, creamy sauce, and a blanket of tater tots work together in perfect harmony.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven Mitts
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots optional but recommended
For the Tater Tot Topping:
- 1 bag 32 oz frozen tater tots
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Grab a large mixing bowl.
- Add 3 cups of cooked chicken to the bowl.
- Pour in 1 can of cream of chicken soup.
- Add 1 cup of sour cream.
- Measure and pour 1/2 cup of milk into the mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Optional: Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots for color and flavor.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything together until fully combined.
- Pro Tip: Mix gently to keep the chicken pieces intact, but ensure the sauce is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Grab your 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the chicken filling evenly into the dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture in a single layer.
- Pro Tip: Do not thaw the tater tots; they bake better straight from frozen.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.
- Optional: Use more cheese if you want extra gooeyness.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Timing Tip: Start preheating only after the casserole is fully assembled so the oven is ready when you’re done.
- Place the baking dish in the center of the oven.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Check: The tater tots should be golden brown and crispy. The filling should be bubbly around the edges.
- Optional: If the cheese isn’t as browned as you like, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven using oven mitts.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Pro Tip: This pause helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to scoop without spilling.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides or enjoy as a complete meal on its own.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 480–520 kcal
- Protein: 28–32 g
- Carbohydrates: 34–38 g
- Fat: 26–30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12–14 g
- Cholesterol: 90–105 mg
- Fiber: 3–4 g
- Sugar: 3–5 g
- Sodium: 780–920 mg