BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of smoked paprika or a pinch of chili powder to the chicken mixture.
• Swap frozen corn with black beans or diced bell peppers for a different texture and taste.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick.
• Try adding a layer of sliced jalapeños on top for some heat.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the tater tots crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tater tots soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Poaching or baking the chicken until fully cooked before shredding works well for this recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheddar cheese, sweet corn, and crunchy tater tots baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, delivering a delightful blend of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors with a satisfying crispy topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole and crisping the tater tots.
2. Prepare Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the casserole.
3. Mix Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly to blend the flavors.
5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top to create a crispy topping.
6. 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 casserole is bubbly.
7. Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after baking, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

• For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots before baking.
• You can substitute chicken with pulled pork or ground beef for variation.
• Make sure to spread the tater tots in a single layer to ensure even crisping.
• If preferred spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food, easy dinner recipe