BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and crispy tater tots. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, onions, and bell peppers.
3. Step 3: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Step 4: Top the chicken mixture with a layer of tater tots.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture.
• Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.
• Substitute ground beef or pulled pork for chicken to change up the protein.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, to keep the tater tots crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?

Yes, you can dice and parboil fresh potatoes before layering them, but tater tots provide the best crispy texture with less prep.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce, diced onions, and bell peppers, all baked under a crispy layer of golden tater tots and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, this casserole combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in a simple, one-dish meal.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Mix Chicken and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, diced onions, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to evenly distribute flavors.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4. Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture to form a crispy and hearty topping.
5. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the layer of tater tots to add a creamy, melted finish.
6. Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set and prevent burning.

Notes

• You can customize the vegetables by adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or mushrooms for extra umami.
• Use your favorite BBQ sauce style—sweet, smoky, or spicy—to tailor the flavor profile.
• This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilling before cooking.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure the BBQ sauce and tater tots are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, baked chicken dish, comfort food casserole, easy weeknight dinner