– **Title**: Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 chicken breasts)
– 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 bag (32 oz) frozen Tater Tots
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. Arrange the frozen Tater Tots on top of the chicken mixture in an even layer.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the Tater Tots are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped fresh parsley.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or diced chicken is perfect here. If you don’t have cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken works great, or use leftover chicken. For a vegetarian twist, try canned chickpeas or tofu.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is a key ingredient for creaminess. If you’re avoiding canned soups, you can make a homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. For a healthier option, consider using a cream of mushroom or celery soup.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: I love using the classic mix of peas, carrots, and corn. You can swap these for fresh vegetables like chopped green beans or bell peppers. Just make sure to cook them slightly before mixing, so they soften in the casserole.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use any milk you have on hand, including almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Tater Tots: These give a nice crunch on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could use frozen hash browns, but the crunch won’t be quite the same. Homemade tater tots would be a fun alternative too!
How Do I Get the Tater Tots Perfectly Crispy?
Getting those tater tots golden and crispy adds a great texture to this casserole. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly:
- Use frozen tater tots directly from the bag—don’t thaw them! They crisp up better this way.
- Spread them in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture. This allows for even cooking and prevents sogginess.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
How to Make Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking, totaling around 45-50 minutes. This is a quick and hearty meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps to make sure your casserole cooks evenly and the tater tots get nice and crispy.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, take your cooked chicken and add in the cream of chicken soup, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. You should have a creamy and colorful mixture!
3. Spread the Mixture:
Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour your chicken mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly, making sure every corner gets some goodness.
4. Add the Tater Tots:
Now it’s time for the tater tots! Arrange them in a single layer over the chicken mixture. This will create a delicious and crispy top layer.
5. Cheese It Up (Optional):
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots for extra yumminess. This step is totally optional, but highly recommended!
6. Bake It:
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, add some chopped parsley on top for a sprinkle of freshness. Spoon it out and enjoy your delicious Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole!
### FAQ for Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Casserole
Can I Use Fresh Vegetables Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh vegetables, just make sure to chop them into small pieces and lightly steam or sauté them before mixing into the casserole. This helps ensure they cook through in the oven since fresh vegetables may take longer than frozen ones.
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade substitute by mixing 1 cup of chicken broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and heating it until thickened. You could also use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce for a different flavor!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the casserole up to the point of baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave, but the tater tots may lose some of their crispiness in the microwave.
