Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

A comforting, golden-baked casserole layered with tender chicken, crispy tater tots, bell peppers, and melted cheese. It’s a quick, hearty meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-dish dinner: Everything cooks together in one baking dish—minimal cleanup.

• Family favorite: Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy tots—it’s always a hit.

• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and frozen tater tots.

• Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and reheat for a quick weekday meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

• Frozen tater tots

• Bell peppers (red and yellow), diced

• Onion, chopped

• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• Cream of chicken or mushroom soup

• Sour cream

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare filling: In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, chopped onions, diced bell peppers, sour cream, cream soup, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of shredded cheese.

4. Add tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese.

5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.

6. Finish: Remove from oven, sprinkle with more cheese if desired, and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 45 minutes

• Total time: 1 hour

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through. Microwave is acceptable for individual portions, but oven keeps the tots crispier.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken?

No, it’s best to use pre-cooked chicken since the casserole doesn’t cook long enough to safely cook raw chicken.

Can I use different vegetables?

Yes, try peas, carrots, broccoli, or green beans for variety.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend all melt well and add flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze unbaked. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I make it without soup?

You can substitute soup with a homemade roux or a mix of sour cream and broth.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not inherently. Add jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer heat.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Use a plant-based meat substitute or just load it up with veggies and skip the chicken.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt is a great healthier substitute for sour cream.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots first?

No, use them straight from the freezer for the best texture.

Can I add bacon?

Yes, cooked and crumbled bacon is a delicious addition to this casserole.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, crispy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day, it’s a simple dish that always satisfies. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses and make it your own.

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