This dish combines BBQ chicken and crispy tater tots, resulting in a comforting, flavorful casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of textures and savory notes makes it worth your time to prepare.
Why you’ll love this dish
This casserole is filling and easy to make. The balance of BBQ flavors with golden-brown tater tots creates a satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken too.
"Everyone at the table requests this again and again!"
The convenience of a one-dish meal makes weeknight cooking simpler.
How it comes together
You’ll start by mixing cooked chicken with BBQ sauce, then layering it in a baking dish with tater tots and cheese. After baking, you’ll end up with a delicious casserole that’s golden and bubbly.
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 45 min
What you’ll need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Layer frozen tater tots over the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese melts.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this casserole with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. Pair it with some steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Storage and reheating tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until warmed through. For long-term storage, freeze for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen.
Helpful cooking tips
- Ensure your chicken is well-coated with BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
- For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top before cheese.
- Always adjust the cooking time if using a different size baking dish.
Recipe variations
- Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Use a different cheese like pepper jack for added flavor.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the chicken mixture for more texture.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, but cook it in advance before mixing with the BBQ sauce.
What if I don’t have tater tots?
You can substitute with frozen hash browns or diced potatoes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting casserole combining BBQ chicken and crispy tater tots, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
- Layer frozen tater tots over the chicken.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until cheese melts.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, add a layer of crushed tortilla chips on top before cheese. Ensure your chicken is well-coated with BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, tater tots, casserole, comfort food, family meal