Save A comforting twist on the classic chicken pot pie, topped with crispy tater tots instead of pastry. Budget-friendly, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
I first made this tater tot chicken pot pie on a chilly evening when I wanted something cozy but easy. Using leftover rotisserie chicken saved me time, and everyone loved the crispy tots on top.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Frozen mixed vegetables: 1 ½ cups (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 ½ cups
- Milk: ½ cup (any type)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 (28-ounce) bag
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): ½ cup, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté onion:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Create roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add liquids:
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season & add vegetables/chicken:
- Add the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Prepare baking dish:
- Transfer the filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add tater tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This easy casserole became an instant favorite with my kids, who now ask for it on busy school nights. Sharing second helpings and lots of laughs at the table made this recipe extra special for our family.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk, Wheat (gluten). May contain: Soy (depending on tater tot brand), Egg (if using cheese). Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 36 g, Protein 19 g
Save This tater tot chicken pot pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make it your go-to weeknight comfort food the whole family will request again and again.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I substitute other proteins for chicken?
Yes, turkey or ham can be used as alternatives, providing similar textures and flavors.
- → What vegetables work best in this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans offer a balanced and convenient mix.
- → How do I achieve perfectly crispy tater tots?
Arrange tater tots in a single layer atop the filling and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp, about 30-35 minutes.
- → Can I add cheese to this dish?
Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking adds a rich, melty finish.
- → Is it possible to prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be made in advance and refrigerated, then topped and baked when ready to serve.