BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- For extra veggies, toss in some chopped bell peppers or cooked black beans.
- If you prefer, swap the frozen corn for fresh corn kernels for a sweeter taste.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy on top.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
Tater tots are typically sold frozen because they maintain their texture best that way. Fresh homemade tater tots can be used but may require adjustments to cooking time and technique to achieve the same crispy finish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
PrintBBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce with cheddar cheese, sweet corn, and a crispy layer of golden tater tots baked to perfection. Quick to assemble and perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it brings a delightful blend of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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 ounces)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the chicken: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for even mixing and easy eating.
- Mix the chicken with BBQ sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat all the chicken evenly.
- Add remaining ingredients: To the bowl, add shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all the flavors.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute BBQ sauce with your preferred flavor, such as spicy or sweet varieties.
- If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle some additional cheddar cheese on top of the tater tots before baking.
- To make the tater tots extra crispy, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy casserole, baked tater tots, shredded chicken recipe
