Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Hotdish Recipe

This nostalgic Tater Tot casserole is my go-to comfort food because it combines all the hearty flavors I love with minimal effort, making it perfect for a cozy night in. Plus, the crispy Tater Tots and cheesy topping give it that extra yum factor that takes me straight back to my childhood.

I adore taking humdrum comfort food and transforming it into something far more interesting. My Chicken Pot Pie Tater Tot Hotdish is a great example.

With 2 cups of cooked, diced chicken breast, a blend of carrots, peas, and corn (for those all-important nutrients), and a creamy sauce (made from chicken broth and cream of chicken soup), it’s at once hearty, flavorful, and even somewhat healthful. Dishing it up with a layer of crispy Tater Tots on top, and a crown of melted cheddar cheese, is really the only way to go.

Ingredients

Chicken breast that has been cooked: Full of protein, it satisfies and keeps you full.

Olive oil: Has beneficial lipids that are very good for heart health.

Onion: Brings depth and sweetness; is antioxidant-rich.

Garlic: Full of flavor, with properties that boost the immune system.

Carrots contain an abundance of beta-carotene, which is beneficial to the eyes.

Dried peas contain large amounts of protein and fiber, which are digested with ease by the body.

Kernels of Corn: Lend a sweet, textured bite, but also provide a hearty dose of carbohydrates.

Broth made with chicken: Moisture and flavor are brought forth; it is a low-calorie delight.

Chicken Soup, Cream of: Base of cream; adds richness and flavor that’s good and savory.

Milk: Smooth consistency, offers abundance of calcium for bone durability.

Crispy topping, adds carbohydrates and texture—Tater Tots.

Cheddar cheese provides flavor and creaminess and is a good source of calcium.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups Tater Tots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, diced, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it’s translucent.

3. Introduce the minced garlic and the diced carrots into the skillet. Allow them to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, by which time the carrots should be showing signs of tenderizing and softening.

4. Combine the already-prepared and chopped chicken breast, the frozen peas, and the corn, and cook for 2 more minutes.

5. Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Mix to combine.

6. Add the dried thyme, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and heated through.

7. Move the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, distributing it evenly throughout.

8. In a single layer, cover the chicken mixture with Tater Tots. Make sure they cover the entire surface.

9. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the Tater Tots.

10. Place in the oven that has been preheated to the proper temperature for baking. Allow to bake for a duration of 25-30 minutes. You will know it’s time to take them out when you see that the Tater Tots have become a deep golden brown and exhibit a satisfactory amount of crispness, while the cheese that has melted and seemingly reconstituted itself has become properly bubbly. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large skillet
3. Stove
4. Measuring spoons
5. Measuring cup
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. 9×13 inch baking dish
10. Oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves

FAQ

• What kind of chicken should I use?You can utilize any cooked chicken breast, be it poached, roasted, or from a rotisserie. Just ensure it’s chopped into pieces small enough to be taken in a single bite.
• Can I substitute fresh vegetables for frozen peas and corn?Certainly, fresh vegetables may be used. Just be sure to cook them until they are tender before you add them to the dish.
• Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?Cream of mushroom soup can be used, or a white sauce made from butter, flour, and chicken broth can be employed.
• Can this be made ahead of time?Certainly! Here’s a way to say the same thing without changing the original meaning:

  You can prepare the mixture beforehand and chill it. Combine the Tater Tots and cheese just before baking.

• How can I make it gluten-free?Utilize cream of chicken soup that is free from gluten and make sure that all other components are gluten-free, including the Tater Tots.
• Do I need to thaw the Tater Tots before baking?No, you add them frozen straight to the top of the casserole before you bake it.
• Can I use other types of cheese?Certainly! You can use any melting cheese you like in place of that which the recipe specifies. Monterey Jack and mozzarella are both excellent substitutes.

Substitutions and Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for added flavor instead of cooked, diced chicken breast.
Replace olive oil with butter for a more robust flavor.
Milder in flavor than diced onion, shallots are an excellent substitute.
Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a more robust flavor.
Substitute frozen green peas with fresh or frozen green beans for a contrast in texture.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs While dried thyme is excellent, consider adding a mix of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives after baking for an extra burst of flavor and fresh appearance.

2. Optimized Cheese Melting To ensure your cheese melts evenly and becomes wonderfully bubbly, allow the casserole to bake for about 20 minutes first, then add the cheese and bake for the remaining 5-10 minutes. This prevents the cheese from burning and ensures a perfect melt.

3. Crispier Tater Tots For an extra crispy top, broil the casserole on high for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

4. Layer with Flavors Before adding the chicken mixture to the baking dish, sprinkle a little bit of shredded cheese on the bottom. This adds a layer of flavor and helps to bind the ingredients with the base of the dish.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping For additional texture, sprinkle some crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking for a nice crispy top layer.