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Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
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Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously hearty and comforting dish featuring tender cooked chicken, crispy golden tater tots, and a savory blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked in a creamy soup base with aromatic onions and garlic. This easy-to-make casserole offers a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors, ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or comforting solo meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions (pre-sautéed if preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Optional herbs (parsley, chives) to taste

Topping

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Optional Variations and Add-Ins

  • Diced jalapeños or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spicy kick)
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, peas, or corn (vegetable boost)
  • Vegan cheese and dairy-free cream soup (for dairy-free option)
  • Alternative proteins like ground turkey, shredded beef, or chickpeas
  • Crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter (alternative crunchy topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken mixture: If your chicken is not yet cooked, start by cooking and shredding or dicing it. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the cream soup, chopped onions, minced garlic, half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, pepper, paprika, and any optional herbs. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
  2. Assemble the base layer: Grease a baking dish and transfer the chicken mixture into it, spreading it out evenly to form the hearty and flavorful base of the casserole.
  3. Add the tater tots topping: Evenly layer the frozen tater tots over the chicken mixture, creating a crispy and golden crust as they bake.
  4. Bake until golden and bubbly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and browned and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
  5. Add remaining cheese and broil (optional): For an extra cheesy and golden crust, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking, or broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the baking dish; spread ingredients evenly for balanced bites.
  • Sauté onions before mixing to enhance their sweetness and flavor depth.
  • Monitor baking time carefully to prevent over-browning or burning of tater tots.
  • Add fresh parsley or chives just before serving to brighten flavor and presentation.
  • Allow casserole to cool before storing; refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
  • Freeze unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding extra time.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispy topping; microwave reheating may soften tots.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/cracked-out-chicken-tater-tot-casserole/