Tater Tot Chicken Pot

A comforting twist on the classic chicken pot pie, topped with crispy tater tots instead of pastry. Budget-friendly, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.

I first made this pot pie when I had leftover rotisserie chicken, and it quickly became a family favorite. The kids especially love the crunchy tater tots on top.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
• Frozen mixed vegetables: 1 ½ cups (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
• Onion: 1 small, diced
• Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
• All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
• Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 ½ cups
• Milk: ½ cup (any type)
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
• Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper: to taste
• Frozen tater tots: 1 (28-ounce) bag
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): ½ cup, for topping

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)

Sauté Onion:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes

Make Roux:

Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly

Add Liquids:

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes

Season & Add Filling:

Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through

Transfer & Top:

Transfer filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling

Bake:

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy. If using cheese, sprinkle over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking

Rest & Serve:

Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Save

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This dish is perfect for sharing at family get-togethers. Everyone gathers around when it is fresh out of the oven, and there are rarely leftovers.

Required Tools

Large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, oven

Allergen Information

Contains milk and wheat (gluten). May contain soy or egg depending on brands. Always check labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 390 calories, 18 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein

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Enjoy this hearty comfort meal with a green salad. The tater tots stay crisp even after baking, making every bite delicious.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey or ham can be substituted for chicken to vary the flavor while maintaining the dish's heartiness.

→ What types of vegetables work best?

Frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, corn, and green beans provide a balanced flavor and texture, but fresh or canned options are equally suitable.

→ How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Baking at 400°F ensures the tater tots brown nicely and crisp up, especially if added cheese is broiled during the last minutes of cooking.

→ Is it possible to adjust seasoning for more flavor?

Adding a pinch of paprika or fresh herbs can enhance the depth of flavor without overpowering the creamy filling.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Preparing the filling in advance is possible; store it refrigerated and assemble with tater tots just before baking for best results.