Imagine all the spirit of a classic pot pie, topped with golden, crispy tater tots and smothered in cheesy goodness—this is exactly what you get with Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie. Creamy, hearty, and absolutely packed with comforting flavors, this recipe is a showstopper perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sunday suppers, or even a casual potluck. With its creamy chicken and veggie filling and that irresistible tater tot crust, it’s the sort of dish you’ll crave again and again.

Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these simple pantry staples transform into something so magical. Every ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, and that signature cozy, golden topping of Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a pro tip for each:

Butter: The foundation for rich, savory flavor—don’t skip this step for silky sautéed onions.
Onion (diced): Aromatic and sweet, it brings a gentle depth to the creamy filling.
Garlic (minced): Two cloves add boldness and warmth—fresh is best for that real homemade punch.
Frozen mixed vegetables: Bagged convenience, but big on color and crunch with peas, carrots, corn, and green beans all in one.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders, or use leftovers for an easy prep shortcut.
Cream of chicken soup: This classic brings that luxurious, creamy texture to every spoonful.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to keep the filling from thickening too much while baking.
Whole milk: For added creaminess—don’t be tempted to use skim or you’ll miss out on a velvety finish.
Dried thyme: Lends a subtle, herby fragrance that ties the filling together beautifully.
Salt: Balances all the savory, cheesy, chicken-y notes—season to taste!
Black pepper: Just a bit perks up the entire dish and complements the creamy sauce.
Frozen tater tots: The hero topping—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and so much easier than pastry.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings sharp, melty perfection, but feel free to swap for your favorite cheese blend.

How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie

Step 1: Get Prepped and Grease the Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and giving your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease. This helps the bubbly goodness release with ease and ensures no crusty bits get left behind. There’s nothing worse than struggling to scoop that first piece!

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it gently sizzle. Toss in the diced onion and cook for four to five minutes until it’s soft and just beginning to turn translucent. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for one more minute, just long enough to fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma that’ll have everyone peeking into the kitchen.

Step 3: Mix Filling Ingredients

Add the frozen mixed vegetables, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper right to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer until heated through (about four minutes), creating a thick, savory chicken and veggie filling that’s hard to resist sampling.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour your warm, creamy filling into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Give it a little shake to level the surface, so every bite gets a good mix of veggies and chicken. Now for the fun: arrange the frozen tater tots in a single, even layer over the top. (Line them up neatly if you’re feeling fancy, or scatter them—no judgment here!) This is when Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie really starts to become something special.

Step 5: Bake and Add Cheese

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, letting the tater tots crisp up and turn golden. Then, open the oven, sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese all over the hot tater tots, and return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt and bubble, wrapping every tot in a gooey blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Take your masterpiece out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes—just long enough to keep everyone in suspense! Serve hot and watch the excitement as you spoon through layers of cheese, tots, creamy filling, and tender chicken. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers for long.

How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie

Garnishes

Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie loves a good garnish! A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but a little herby freshness that balances the richness of the dish. Cracked black pepper or a dash of hot sauce can also be perfect finishing touches for those who enjoy a bit of extra zing.

Side Dishes

While this dish truly stands alone, consider pairing your Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even tangy pickled veggies also make great, easy sides that keep the meal feeling balanced and family-style.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or looking to impress, spoon the pie into individual ramekins for personalized portions—kids especially love their own mini Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie. Alternatively, serve it family-style right out of the baking dish for that down-home, casual comfort food vibe. Don’t be shy with the cheesy, tot-topped crust when scooping—everyone wants the crispy bits!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any remaining Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making next-day lunches nearly as exciting as the first round.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover the whole baking dish tightly with foil or portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices into the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the tater tots regain their crispiness. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just know the tots will be softer. A few minutes under the broiler can restore their crunch, making your leftovers taste fresh and lively all over again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just chop your favorite fresh veggies into bite-sized pieces and give them a quick sauté until tender before mixing into the filling. This makes your Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie even more flavorful and colorful.

What type Main Course

Cooked rotisserie chicken is a time-saving favorite, but any leftover roasted, grilled, or poached chicken works beautifully. Thighs tend to be juicier, but breast meat is great if you prefer a lighter touch.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes—swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, use unsweetened non-dairy milk, and choose a dairy-free cheese. Just make sure any cream soup you use is also dairy-free for the creamiest, allergy-friendly Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand?

No worries! You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for slightly earthier flavor, or whip up a quick homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and extra milk, seasoned with chicken bouillon or stock concentrate.

Can I add other seasonings or extra cheese?

Definitely! This recipe is versatile—try smoked paprika, a sprinkle of poultry seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Want it extra cheesy? Add some mozzarella or Colby Jack in addition to cheddar for a seriously gooey topping.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a meal that guarantees full bellies and happy smiles, Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie is truly a winner every time. Warm, creamy, crispy, and cheesy in every bite, it’s the kind of casserole that brings everyone to the table. Don’t wait for a special occasion to whip this one up—make it today and watch it disappear faster than you ever imagined.

Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of pot pie with a crispy tater tot topping. It’s a perfect meal for cozy family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

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Main Filling:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Saute: In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Combine: Mix in vegetables, chicken, soup, broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
Assemble: Transfer mixture to baking dish. Top with tater tots in a single layer.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes, then add cheddar cheese and bake until melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes.
Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!