Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This chicken tater tot casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, savory chicken filling topped with crispy, golden tater tots. This easy chicken casserole with tater tots is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 carrots cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 2 stalks celery cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
- 1 onion chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 3 cups frozen potato tots, thawed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat until sizzling.
- Add the carrots, celery, and onion, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Sauté the vegetables until softened and golden, about 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a boil. Cook for around 3 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a food processor, pulse the thawed potato tots with the thyme until they’re medium-ground. Spread this topping evenly over the chicken mixture in the dish.
- Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tater tot topping is golden and crisp.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.