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Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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This comforting Chicken Tater Tot Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy vegetable sauce, and crispy tater tots for a hearty and satisfying meal. Baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 pounds (900g) chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized ½ inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Vegetables and Sauce

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup all purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups (120ml) chicken stock or broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 cups (300g) frozen mixed vegetables (corn, carrots, peas)

Topping

  • 32-ounce (900g) bag frozen tater tots
  • 8 ounces (225g) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the cubed chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper for balanced flavor.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through but not browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, releasing delicious aromas.
  5. Make the Sauce: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk followed by chicken stock, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a consistency similar to heavy cream. Season with dried thyme and stir in frozen mixed vegetables. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything well.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown.
  8. Add Cheese and Broil: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the crispy tater tots. Place the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
  9. Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack for about 15 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before assembling to guarantee food safety.
  • For a crispier top, broil the casserole carefully and watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.
  • You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or other preferred blends.
  • Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve texture.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/chicken-tater-tot-casserole-recipe/