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.
I made this recipe on a weeknight using leftover rotisserie chicken. The kids loved the crunchy tater tot topping, and it quickly became a family staple.
Ingredients
- Protein: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Vegetables: 1 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 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
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Sauté Onion:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes
- Add Flour:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly
- Make Sauce:
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until thickened, about 3 4 minutes
- Season & Add Fillings:
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper, mixed vegetables, and chicken. Simmer 2 3 minutes until heated through
- Assemble:
- Transfer filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly
- Top with Tater Tots:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 35 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle cheddar cheese in last 5 minutes if desired
- Finish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Save We enjoyed this dish together on a chilly Sunday, and everyone went back for seconds. It's a recipe that brings warmth to our dinner table.
Required Tools
Large skillet (for sautéing), whisk (for sauce), 9x13 inch baking dish (for baking), oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat (gluten). Tater tot brands may vary in allergens. If using cheese, may contain egg. Always check ingredient labels before cooking.
Nutritional Information
Each serving: 390 calories, 18 g total fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein.
Save This recipe is quick to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of this easy comfort food classic.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables can be substituted. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they become tender.
- → What can I use if I don't have chicken?
Turkey or ham are excellent alternatives and maintain the dish's hearty flavor.
- → Is there a way to make the topping extra crispy?
Baking the tater tots uncovered at 400°F ensures a crispy texture. Adding cheese near the end enhances crunchiness as well.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
The filling can be made ahead and stored refrigerated. Add the tater tots and bake just before serving.
- → How can I add more flavor to this dish?
Incorporate a pinch of paprika or your favorite herbs into the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.