Sep 30, 2024
Here’s What You Need
Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients It’s my top choice when I need to use up leftover chicken and feed a hungry family. My kids are obsessed (and so am I). This flexible dish is hearty, savory, and perfect for make-ahead meals. With simple ingredients, it’s an easy, cozy, filling dinner. You can also swap in leftover turkey for an equally delicious twist!
Tater tots: If you’d prefer to use regular potatoes, try my Chicken Potato Casserole recipe instead. So YUM. Butter Onion and garlic All-purpose flour Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and a savory chicken flavor. Sour cream and mayonnaise: They add creaminess and tang. Mayonnaise also helps bind everything together. Frozen peas: Adds a pop of color and a little sweetness and texture. Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed: Shredded blends in more smoothly, while cubed offers heartier bites. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great here! Grated cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the casserole, creating a rich, cheesy flavor and a golden-brown top.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few swaps and add-ins you can try:
Protein alternatives: Use cooked turkey, ham, or ground beef. For an egg-based version, check out my Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole. Cheese choices: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Swiss, or mozzarella. Vegetable add-ins: Broccoli, bell peppers, corn, or spinach make great additions. You can use fresh, frozen, or leftover veggies. Herbs and spices: Try paprika, thyme, rosemary, or cayenne for an extra kick of flavor.
Tools to Grab
Baking sheet: For thawing and baking the tater tots. Large skillet: To prepare the sauce. Wooden spoon: For stirring the roux. Whisk: To incorporate the broth smoothly. Baking dish: Where it all comes together and bakes.
Prepare the tater tots or hashbrowns
If using frozen tater tots or hashbrowns, take them out of the freezer and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to thaw while you prep the rest of the casserole. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400ºF.
Make the sauce base
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and 1/2 tsp salt and stir until onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes. The flour should lose its raw taste but not start to brown. Whisk in the chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time, to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to boil and thicken. Once the sauce is bubbly and thick, turn off the heat.
Finish off the sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and mayonnaise. Drizzle ½ cups of the sauce into the sour cream mixture, whisking until smooth. Add it back to the pot—season with pepper and more salt as needed.
Add the chicken and veggies
Gently stir in the peas, chicken and most of the tater tots (or other potato options). Reserve about 1/4 for the topping.
Build the casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with grated cheddar cheese. Arrange the remaining tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
Bake the chicken and potato casserole
Bake until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes to thicken up before serving. Here are some great side dishes that pair well with Tater Tot Casserole: It’s good to go for light, fresh sides that contrast with the hearty, cheesy casserole.
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