Who doesn’t love a warm, delicious meal that practically cooks itself? This Tater Tot Casserole is an all-time favorite in my kitchen and perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours slaving away at the stove. Imagine tender chicken nestled beneath a layer of crunchy tater tots, smothered in creamy goodness and topped with melted cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest, embodying everything we love about American cuisine. What’s more, your family will gobble it up in no time – it’s always a hit at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super simple prep: with only a handful of ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
- Unbelievably tasty: the combination of chicken and tater tots is a match made in heaven!
- Perfect for busy weeknights: it bakes quickly, giving you more time to relax with your loved ones.
- Customizable: add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch!
Ingredients
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed for quick cooking)
– Olive oil (for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection)
– Garlic salt (to add that savory flavor)
– Sour cream (for creaminess and tang)
– Milk (to create a smooth sauce)
– Frozen tater tots (because they’re quick and oh-so-crispy!)
– Shredded cheddar cheese (the more cheese, the better!)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Making this Tater Tot Casserole is as easy as pie! Let me walk you through the steps.
- Combine the Creamy Mixture: Start by mixing the sour cream and milk in a small bowl. This will be your creamy sauce that binds everything together. Set it aside for now.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken, adding a sprinkle of garlic salt for flavor. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink inside. Once done, remove it from heat.
- Add the Creamy Sauce: Pour your sour cream and milk mixture over the cooked chicken. Throw in ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until everything is evenly coated. Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little lumpy – it’s all part of the magic!
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into an 8×8 baking dish, spreading it out so it’s evenly layered.
- Layer with Tater Tots: Now for the fun part! Grab those frozen tater tots and create a single layer on top of the chicken mixture. Feel free to get creative; don’t leave any chicken peeking out!
- Top with Cheese: Finally, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded cheddar over the top of the tater tots. This will create a wonderfully cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake your casserole for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to see golden brown tater tots and the chicken mixture bubbling beneath.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– Adjust the chicken seasoning by adding spices or herbs like paprika or Italian seasoning for an additional flavor kick.
– Don’t skip the cheese! It adds the final touch that makes this casserole irresistible.
– Feel free to add veggies like peas or carrots to the chicken mixture for a nutritious boost.
– If your family loves heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up a bit.
How to Serve
When it comes to serving Tater Tot Casserole, the options are endless! This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or some sweet corn on the side. You might also want to offer a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives to garnish. Trust me, your family won’t be able to get enough of it!
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the perks of making Tater Tot Casserole is that you can prepare it ahead of time! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it even more convenient for those busy evenings.
For leftovers, simply allow the casserole to cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture or microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry. If you think you won’t finish it all within a few days, you can freeze it before baking. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped, and when you’re ready to enjoy it later, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have a delightful Tater Tot Casserole that fills everyone’s bellies and warms their hearts. So why not give this easy dinner recipe a try? Let the crispy tater tots and tender chicken become a staple dish in your home. Happy cooking!
Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- garlic salt to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 ½-2 lbs frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese divided
Instructions
- Mix sour cream and milk in a bowl; set aside.
- Sauté chicken in olive oil, seasoned with garlic salt, until cooked through; remove from heat.
- Mix sour cream mixture and ¾ cup of cheese into chicken; combine well.
- Pour into an 8x8 baking dish and layer frozen tater tots on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, until tots are golden brown and chicken mixture is bubbling.