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Crispy Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

crispy cheesy chicken tater tot casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy comfort food casserole featuring crispy tater tots, shredded chicken, and a creamy cheesy base. Perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen tater tots
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 ml) cream of chicken soup (or mushroom soup)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion (white or yellow), sautéed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sautéed onion and garlic, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne if using. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Add a splash of milk if mixture is too thick.
  4. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
  5. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken layer.
  6. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese, avoiding overlap to ensure crispiness.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup sharp cheddar and ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
  8. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
  9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt. Sauté onions and garlic for best flavor. Can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and turkey cheese for cheddar for lighter versions. Confirm cream soup is gluten-free for GF diet. Can add vegetables or swap proteins as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: casserole, chicken, tater tots, cheesy, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/crispy-cheesy-chicken-tater-tot-casserole-easy-recipe-for-family-dinner/