Last Tuesday, I was rummaging through my freezer at 5:47 p.m., desperately searching for dinner inspiration when I spotted that forgotten bag of tater tots. My youngest had been begging for “the cheesy potato thing” all week, and suddenly it clicked—time for my legendary Tater Tot Chicken Casserole! This comfort-food masterpiece has saved more weeknight dinners in my Halifax kitchen than I can count.
Contents
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream (240ml)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (200g)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (150g)
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion (75g)
- 2 tablespoons butter (30g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sauté the diced onion in butter over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes.
- Combine cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and 1 cup cheddar cheese in a large bowl.
- Stir in the sautéed onions, frozen vegetables, and garlic powder until well mixed.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy here!
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
- Layer frozen tater tots on top in a single, organized pattern.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until the tots are golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tots and bake 5 more minutes.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving—I know it’s torture, but trust me on this one.
Pro Tips & Variations
Cheese Switch-Up: Y’all’re gonna love this with sharp white cheddar or even a Mexican cheese blend for some kick. I’ve tried both and they’re spectacular.
Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or broccoli florets to sneak more nutrition into this indulgent dish. My neighbor swears by adding jalapeños for heat.
Protein Swap: Leftover turkey works beautifully here, especially after Thanksgiving when you’re drowning in leftovers and need something different.
Storage & Food Safety
Store leftover Tater Tot Chicken Casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving—use a food thermometer to be sure. The casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the tater tots lose some crispness after thawing.
For food safety, never leave this casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Nutrition & Serving Ideas
Each generous serving provides approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients.
Boom! This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness. During hockey playoffs, I love serving it alongside some crispy bacon and a strong cup of Tim Hortons coffee for the ultimate comfort meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tater Tot Chicken Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble everything except the tater tots, refrigerate overnight, then add the tots and bake as directed. You might need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven since it’s starting cold.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? Cream of chicken or celery soup work perfectly as substitutes. You could even make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth if you’re feeling ambitious.
How do I prevent soggy tater tots? The key is not overcrowding them and making sure your oven is fully preheated. That satisfying crunch you hear when you bite into a perfectly baked tot? That’s what we’re after here.
Sarah MacDonald has been creating family-friendly recipes from her Halifax kitchen for over 15 years, specializing in comfort foods that bring people together around the dinner table.
