BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite brand or flavor.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (This cheese melts beautifully.)
- 1 cup frozen corn (Adds sweetness and color.)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (Provides a sharp flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the onion flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag, provides a crispy finish.)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
- Step 4: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl and mix everything together.
- Step 5: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Step 6: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped jalapeños or a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.
- Swap frozen corn with canned or fresh corn if preferred—just make sure to drain canned corn well.
- Use cooked bacon bits mixed into the casserole for a smoky crunch.
Storage
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy. Microwaving is faster but may soften the tots.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
Tater tots are typically sold frozen, and using fresh ones is uncommon. For the best texture and crispiness, use frozen tater tots as directed.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and tots are crispy.
PrintBBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish combining juicy shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce with a cheesy, flavorful mix of corn, onions, and spices, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this easy-to-make casserole bakes to perfection with a crispy crust and savory filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite brand or flavor.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (This cheese melts beautifully.)
- 1 cup frozen corn (Adds sweetness and color.)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (Provides a sharp flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the onion flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)
Topping
- 1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag, provides a crispy finish.)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces to help it blend well with the other ingredients and heat evenly.
- Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring well to evenly coat every piece with flavorful sauce.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the bowl, add shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so all flavors are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top to create a crispy golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful garnish before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
- Feel free to swap BBQ sauce flavors to customize sweetness or smokiness.
- Adding more cheese on top before baking can increase cheesiness and browning.
- Make sure to spread tater tots in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, easy family dinner, baked chicken dish, comfort food
