If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food that’s as cozy as it is satisfying, look no further than Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie. This crowd-pleasing casserole combines creamy chicken and tender vegetables, all bubbling beneath a golden, crisp topping of tater tots, turning a weeknight dinner into something memorable. Whether you’re gathering the family or just indulging yourself in pure, nostalgic goodness, this simple dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of humble ingredients transform into a dish everyone will request again and again. Each addition brings its own signature taste or texture, making this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie deeply satisfying with every bite. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:
- Shredded chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken keeps this pie juicy and loaded with flavor.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Carrots, peas, corn, and green beans add color, nutrients, and sweetness to the creamy base.
- Canned cream of chicken soup: The secret to that irresistibly rich and velvety filling—no need to make sauce from scratch.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess, rounding out the flavor profile.
- Milk: Thins the sauce just enough to keep everything luscious but not runny.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic warmth in every forkful.
- Onion powder: Elevates the savory factor without the need to chop onions.
- Dried thyme: A pop of earthy, herby flavor that blends beautifully with chicken and veggies.
- Salt and pepper: The simple seasonings that tie it all together—taste and adjust just the way you like it.
- Frozen tater tots: The crispy, iconic topping that makes this “pot pie” pure comfort food.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melty, gooey, and totally worth it if you want a cheesy finish.
How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Baking Dish
Before you dive in, get organized: preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This not only keeps things from sticking, but also ensures you can scoop every last spoonful out with ease.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Chicken Filling
Grab a large bowl and combine the shredded chicken, frozen mixed veggies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is coated in creamy goodness—this mixture is the savory heart of your Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now for the fun part: arrange your frozen tater tots over the top in a single layer. It’s like a puzzle you get to eat!
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop your dish into the hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tater tots are golden-brown and crisp, and the filling is hot and bubbling away. If you’re adding cheese, sprinkle it over the tots for the last 5 minutes to get it perfectly melty.
Step 5: Rest, Serve, and Savor
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken slightly, making sure you get neat, creamy servings every time.
How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
Garnishes
For a fresh finish, scatter chopped parsley or chives over your piping-hot Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie right before serving. The bright green color and mild flavors liven up every portion and make the dish look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Although this casserole is a one-pan wonder, you can make it a feast with a crisp green salad or buttered dinner rolls. Want something lighter? Steamed broccoli or a crunchy cucumber salad pairs perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties, or spoon it into large mugs for a cozy, casual meal. Kids especially love digging in when their name is on the dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover any leftover Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—its flavor only gets better as the filling settles and the herbs mingle.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake!), then wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 15 to 20 extra minutes to your cook time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the tater tots re-crisp—about 15 to 20 minutes. In a pinch, you can microwave, but the oven brings back that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, bringing lots of flavor and saving you precious prep time on busy nights.
How do I make it more flavorful?
Boost the flavor by sautéing onions or mushrooms to mix in, or by adding a splash of poultry seasoning, fresh herbs, or even a hint of hot sauce if you like a kick.
Can I make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie dairy-free?
Yes—swap the sour cream and milk for your favorite plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free soup and cheese if needed. It’s easy to adapt and still totally delicious.
What if I don’t have mixed frozen vegetables?
No worries! Raid your freezer or crisper drawer—just about any veggie works, from broccoli florets to diced bell peppers or extra corn. Customize it to your taste and what’s on hand.
Will the tater tots stay crispy?
They sure do if you bake until golden and serve right away. For an extra-crisp top, broil for a couple of minutes at the end and enjoy that savory, crunchy crown!
Final Thoughts
Give this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie a go and you’ll quickly see why it’s so beloved. Each bite is comforting, satisfying, and just plain fun—even picky eaters will ask for seconds. Share it at your next gathering, and prepare for cheers and empty plates!
Print
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food dish. Creamy chicken and vegetable filling topped with crispy tater tots and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, frozen vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange the tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the filling is hot and bubbly. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
