Pin it 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.
The first time I made this for my family, everyone loved the crispy tater tot topping and the creamy filling. It quickly became a weeknight staple when we needed a hearty meal everyone could enjoy.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Mixed vegetables: 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- Onion: 1 small onion, diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken broth: 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Milk: ½ cup milk (any type)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Tater tots: 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Shredded cheddar cheese: ½ cup (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook 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 and add filling:
- Add the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Transfer the filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add tater tots:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it This dish is always a hit at our family gatherings, especially with kids who love the crunchy tater tots on top.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pot pie with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced family dinner.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Variations
Swap out the vegetables for your favorites, or use sweet potato tots for a fun twist.
Pin it Enjoy this tater tot chicken pot pie as an easy, satisfying weeknight meal that always brings smiles to the table.
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute chicken with other meats?
Yes, turkey or ham can be used as tasty alternatives for the protein in this dish.
- → What vegetables work best for this casserole?
Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans are ideal, but fresh or canned options can also be used.
- → How do I achieve crispy tater tots topping?
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling and bake until golden and crispy, usually 30-35 minutes at 400°F.
- → Can I add cheese to this dish?
Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking adds a rich, melted finish.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains milk and wheat; soy and egg may be present depending on tater tot brand and cheese used. Always check labels.