Warm and comforting, this BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and crispy golden tater tots all baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a hearty meal that the entire family will love.
The combination of savory chicken, sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, and melty cheese creates a satisfying dish with delightful textures — crispy on top, tender inside. With easy prep and quick baking, this casserole is a go-to option for stress-free dinners or casual gatherings.
- The perfect balance of smoky BBQ flavors and crispy tater tots offers amazing texture contrasts.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time ideal for busy households.
- Customizable with vegetables or spices to suit your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender, pre-cooked chicken shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even BBQ flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Tangy and smoky sauce that coats the chicken, infusing it with rich barbecue flavor and moisture.
- Shredded cheese: Melted cheddar or your cheese of choice adds a gooey, savory topping enhancing richness and taste.
- Frozen tater tots: Crispy golden bites that create a crunchy top layer while baking, perfect for texture contrast.
- Diced onions: Adds a mild pungency and subtle sweetness, contributing flavor depth and freshness.
- Diced bell peppers: Colorful and crunchy, they bring sweetness and vibrant texture to the savory casserole.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors and balance the dish perfectly.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly. This helps the tater tots crisp up nicely while cooking through the chicken mixture.
- Combine chicken and vegetables
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, diced onions, and bell peppers. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and distributes vegetables evenly for balanced bites.
- Prepare baking dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish so every scoop has a bit of each ingredient for a harmonious taste.
- Add tater tots layer
Top the chicken layer with frozen tater tots in a single layer. They will crisp up during baking, adding a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts the tender filling beneath.
- Sprinkle with cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the tater tots. The cheese melts to create a gooey, golden crust sealing in the flavors while adding rich creaminess on top.
- Bake until golden
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. This baking time blends all ingredients and develops a delicious crust while heating the casserole thoroughly.
- Cool and serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes outside the oven to finish setting. This resting time allows easier slicing and increases flavor meld before serving warm.
- You can customize by adding jalapeños for spicy heat or swap bell peppers with your favorite vegetables.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking, saving time on busy days.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, ensuring the tater tots remain crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal. It also pairs well with coleslaw to add crunch and coolness.
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time and add extra flavor depth.
- For extra crispy tots, bake uncovered and consider broiling for the last 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces, like smoky chipotle or honey BBQ, to vary the flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but cook and shred the chicken beforehand to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender before mixing with BBQ sauce and baking.
- Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, this casserole is gluten free if your BBQ sauce and shredded cheese are certified gluten free. Always check labels to be sure.
- Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
- What cheese works best?
Cheddar provides sharpness and melts well, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend based on preference.
- How do I make it spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for added heat and complexity.
- Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Corn, mushrooms, or chopped spinach can be added to increase nutrition and flavor diversity.
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish greased
- 1 large bowl
- 1 oven preheated to 400°F
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or 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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced onions, and diced bell peppers.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of frozen tater tots over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of the tater tots.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Allow casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize by adding favorite vegetables.
- For extra heat, include jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
