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    Home » Recipes » Casseroles

    Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

    Published: Apr 25, 2025 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 6 Comments

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    Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this delicious and easy recipe for Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. With layers of tender chicken, crispy tater tots, and melted cheese, this hearty one pan meal will quickly become a family favorite.

    a one pan meal with simple ingredients.

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    Comfort food is warm, familiar, and satisfying, often bringing a sense of nostalgia and childhood memories. This Tater Tot Chicken Casserole is just that! Not only does it come together in no time, but its a family favorite and often reminds me of the nights where mom would make dinner and we used the street lights as signal that it was time to head in for dinner! The perfect dish to prepare ahead of time, refrigerate, or even as a freezer meal for later!

    Chicken Tater Tot Casserole on a plate with peas.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Making Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken
    • Storing and Prepping Ahead
    • Tips for Success
    • More Casserole Recipes to try
    • Loaded Tater Tot Chicken Casserole Recipe

    Ingredient Notes

    Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed to make this simple Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. To see exact ingredients with step by step directions, scroll to the bottom or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.

    • Chicken– shredded chicken works best for this recipe, however, diced cooked chicken works great too. To save on time, you can use a Rotisserie chicken or leftover meat from a previous meal. If you prefer ground beef, that is a great option also.
    • Sour Cream– I use low-fat sour cream, however, regular works great too. You can also use plain Greek yogurt or an additional can of cream of chicken soup as a substitution option.
    • Cream of Chicken Soup– if you want to change it up, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
    • Ranch Mix– you’ll want to use the dry seasoning mix and not Ranch dressing. You will need 1 ounce of seasoning.
    • Bacon– cooked and crumbled, feel free to save time by using bacon bits or make things a bit healthier by using turkey bacon.
    • Cheese– shredded sharp  Cheddar cheese is my go-to, however, you can use a mixed blend or any other shredded cheese desired.
    • Tater Tots– this is the star of the show, you’ll need a 32 ounce bag of frozen tater tots. No need to thaw, just toss them in.
    • Black Pepper– season to taste, you can also add additional seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, or onion powder based on desired taste.

    all the ingredients needed to make Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.

    Making Tater Tot Casserole with Chicken

    Prepare. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Combine Ingredients. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.

    a loaded meal with simple ingredients combined in a white mixing bowl.

    Assemble. Spread mixture in an even layer into prepared dish.

    a shredded chicken recipe with frozen potatoes in a cast iron ready to bake.

    Cook and Serve. Place pan into oven and allow to cook for about 40 minutes, or until everything is hot and the shredded Cheddar cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve!

    a baked Chicken Tater Tot Casserole in a skillet.

    Storing and Prepping Ahead

    If storing leftovers, allow the casserole to fully cool before covering pan and storing in the refrigerator. You can also transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Leftovers will last about 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, heat in the microwave using 30 second increments until heated through. To freeze, store in a freezer safe container and be sure to date and label! It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Allow to defrost in the fridge prior to reheating in the oven until warmed all the way through. If making ahead of time, assemble casserole as directed and cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in fridge up to 4 days. Bake as directed, however, you may need to add additional cook time if the casserole is chilled.

    a wood spoon scooping out a one pan meal.

    Tips for Success

    • Use freshly shredded cheese versus the pre-shredded bags. The bags are coated in a non-stick additive and the cheese doesn’t melt as evenly.
    • If you want to keep things simple, add a few boneless skinless chicken breasts to your slow cooker or Instant Pot and shred once cooked. I love to do this a few times every month and store the chicken in my freezer for quick meal options like this one.
    • Feel free to use a large cast iron skillet instead of a baking pan. I use a 12-14 inch skillet if my 9×13 baking pan is in the dishwasher.
    • To make this a complete meal, you can stir in 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, frozen peas, broccoli, carrots, green beans, etc.
    • If you’re looking for sides to serve with this, try my Crispy Parmesan Brussel Sprouts, Lemon Garlic Asparagus, or Bacon Wrapped Green Beans!

    a cheesy bake made with simple ingredients in a cast iron skillet.

    More Casserole Recipes to try

    Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole– with a few simple ingredients, you can have a comforting and satisfying meal on the table in no time!

    Italian Noodle Casserole– a pasta recipe that comes together in no time using simple ingredients! Seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, tender egg noodles, and cheese combine into a beef noodle casserole recipe the entire family will enjoy!

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole– packed with flavor and combines chicken, pasta, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and cheese in a tasty dish! Using only a few simple ingredients, this casserole is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!

    French Onion Chicken Casserole– tender chicken, rich French onion flavors, and a crispy topping, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight main dish. With less than ten simple ingredients, it’s also great for meal prep to enjoy lunches throughout the week!

    Bubble Up Pizza Casserole– a quick and easy meal option using refrigerated biscuit pieces, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings! Using a few simple shortcut ingredients, this casserole can be oven ready in only a few minutes!

    Crock Pot Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole– easy to make and the ultimate dish anytime of the day. Add in some cooked meat to make it a complete meal, or serve as a side!

    a cast iron skillet with Chicken Tater Tot Casserole.

     

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    a one pan meal with simple ingredients.

    Loaded Tater Tot Chicken Casserole Recipe

    Recipe by: Kristin
    This simple and delicious Tater Tot Chicken Casserole combines chicken, cheese, and tater tots for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
    4.82 from 11 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 50 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 664 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • 9x13 baking pan
    • Cast Iron Skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups chicken *cooked/shredded or chopped
    • 16 oz sour cream
    • 1 can cream of chicken soup *10.75 oz can
    • 1 oz dry Ranch mix
    • 1 cup Bacon *cooked/crumbled
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese *shredded
    • 2 lb frozen tater tots
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 baking pan.
    • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients.
    • Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan.
    • Place pan into preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes.
    • Remove and serve!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 664kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 1123mgPotassium: 441mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 457IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

     

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    Comments

    1. Marie says

      February 23, 2025 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      Do the Tater Tots need to be defrosted?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        February 24, 2025 at 9:57 am

        Nope! No need to defrost! Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Betty says

      December 03, 2021 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      Love this. Just don’t get the concept of leftover bacon.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        December 04, 2021 at 9:33 am

        Haha, bacon is almost never leftover in my house. My husband must have snuck it into the freezer when I wasn’t looking hence why I found it and had to use it up ASAP. Everything is better with bacon, right?? Hope you enjoy!!

        Reply
      • Charlotte speer says

        January 17, 2025 at 2:38 pm

        5 stars
        can you use bacon bits

        Reply
        • Kristin says

          January 18, 2025 at 5:37 pm

          Absolutely! That is a great shortcut option! Enjoy!

    4.82 from 11 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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