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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Mix Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
