Save A comforting twist on the classic chicken pot pie, topped with crispy tater tots instead of pastry. Budget-friendly, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
We first tried this tater tot chicken pot pie on a chilly night when we wanted comfort food but didn&t want to fuss with homemade pastry. It quickly became a family favorite for its crispy top and creamy filling.
Ingredients
- Protein: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Vegetables: 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans); 1 small onion, diced
- Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup milk (any type); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon dried thyme; salt and black pepper, to taste
- Topping: 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
- Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make Sauce Base:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Flour:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add Liquids:
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season & Fill:
- Add the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Prepare to Bake:
- Transfer the filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top & Bake:
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save
Save My kids love helping arrange the tater tots in rows atop the filling, and it&s always a meal that brings everyone to the table. It&s become our go-to for busy nights together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and a simple vinaigrette for a complete meal, or add steamed broccoli for even more veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutritional Highlights
Each serving has approximately 390 calories, 18 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 19 g protein.
Save
Save This tater tot chicken pot pie is pure comfort and always brings happy faces to the table. Try swapping in your favorite veggies for your own twist.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey or ham can be used as alternatives to chicken while maintaining the hearty nature of the dish.
- → What vegetables work best in this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans provide a balanced flavor and texture, but fresh or canned options are fine too.
- → How do I achieve a crispy tater tot topping?
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling and bake until golden and crispy, roughly 30-35 minutes at 400°F.
- → Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots during the last 5 minutes of baking adds a rich, melty topping.
- → Is it possible to make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Adjust the flour or broth amounts slightly during preparation to reach the desired sauce consistency before baking.