If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together crispy, golden tater tots with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe will become your new favorite. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, savory filling topped with a fun and crunchy tater tot crust that’s irresistible for family dinners or casual gatherings. This dish takes classic pot pie flavors to an entirely new level by swapping out the traditional pie crust for bite-sized tater tots, combining convenience with scrumptious flavor in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is simple yet critical for creating that distinct balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures you want in a Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. Each one plays a role, from the shredded chicken providing rich protein to the frozen veggies adding freshness and color.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a fast and flavorful base.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A medley of carrots, peas, corn, and green beans gives this dish vibrant color and nutrition.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and a comforting savory note.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Boosts creaminess while adding a subtle tang.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps loosen the filling to the perfect consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A gentle aromatic note that blends delicately into the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal lift.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- 3 cups frozen tater tots: The crowning glory providing a golden, crispy, and fun topping.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts beautifully if you want extra cheesy goodness on top.
How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures the tater tots brown nicely without sticking and sets you up for a smooth assembly process.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s completely incorporated—this is what will create that creamy, flavorful base beneath the crispy tots. The balance here is key for a truly satisfying filling that’s both hearty and comforting.
Step 3: Assemble the Pot Pie
Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s level, so the tater tots can nestle on top perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Tater Tot Topping
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling. This will bake into the golden crunchy crust that makes this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe so fun and appealing.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots turn golden and the filling bubbles around the edges. If you love cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top during the last 5 minutes and allow it to melt into bubbly perfection.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once out of the oven, give it 5 to 10 minutes to rest. This helps the filling set slightly and makes serving much easier.
How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens this rich dish. For a fun twist, a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce offers a delicious contrasting flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty pot pie alongside a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts also make excellent vegetable pairings to add freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or make individual portions, try baking this recipe in smaller ramekins or muffin tins. Each person gets their own personal pot pie with fun, crispy tater tot lids—a conversation starter that’s as charming as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, so leftovers can taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked casserole or the unbaked assembly. For best results, freeze in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating. This makes it perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food ready to go.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through and the tater tots regain some crunch. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that signature crispy topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add a nice texture, but you may want to lightly steam them first to ensure they cook evenly during baking and keep the filling from becoming watery.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is very kid-friendly thanks to its comforting flavors and fun crispy topping. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables in a familiar and tasty way.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep it vegetarian, swap out the chicken and cream of chicken soup for plant-based alternatives like cooked chickpeas or tofu and cream of mushroom soup. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy topper, try broiling the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely as it can brown quickly!
What’s a good substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a substitute for sour cream. Both add creaminess and a slight tang that complements the filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is a warm embrace on a plate, combining easy prep with hearty, nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a home-cooked hug. Give this recipe a try—it just might become your new go-to comfort food to cherish all year long.
Print
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that combines shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s a quick twist on traditional pot pie using convenient frozen ingredients and baking for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a flat, consistent layer.
- Add Tater Tot Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture, covering the surface completely.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the filling is hot and bubbling throughout.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the filling to set and cool slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient and flavorful shortcut.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the filling for extra depth of flavor.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.
