Description

There’s something irresistible about a warm, bubbly casserole. For many of us, casseroles like this Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole bring back memories of family gatherings, cozy evenings, and even a bit of indulgence. This dish combines simple, satisfying ingredients into a single, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or just looking for an easy, family-friendly weeknight meal.

This casserole has it all: tender chunks of chicken, crispy tater tots, gooey cheese, and a creamy sauce that pulls everything together. With every bite, you get a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and only requires a few ingredients. Just pop it in the oven and let it bake until it’s golden and bubbly. The result? A comforting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 package (32 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup chopped green onions or chives (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Mix the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add the Chicken and Cheese: Add the shredded or cubed chicken and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Stir well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated and the cheese is distributed throughout.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots over the top in a single layer. This will help the tater tots get perfectly crispy as they bake.
Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots. This will melt into a golden, bubbly topping that makes the casserole extra indulgent.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden brown and the casserole is piping hot throughout.
Garnish and Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, colorful garnish. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy every delicious, creamy, crispy bite!

Notes

Can I Make This Dairy-Free? You can substitute dairy-free cheese and sour cream for a dairy-free version, and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup as well.
Leftovers Tip: This casserole reheats well in the oven or microwave. Just cover it to retain moisture, and enjoy within 3 days.