Savory chicken and mixed vegetables topped with golden, crispy tater tots for a hearty, budget-friendly dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
03 - 1 small onion, diced
→ Sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - ½ cup milk
08 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
11 - 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
→ Optional
12 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Set oven to 400°F.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced onion and sauté about 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
04 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk; cook until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir in mixed vegetables and chicken, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
06 - Transfer filling evenly to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
07 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer atop the filling.
08 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until tater tots are golden and crisp; optionally sprinkle cheddar cheese over tots during last 5 minutes.
09 - Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
