BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the layer of tater tots to add a creamy, melted finish.
- 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.
- 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
