Introduction

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and crispy tater tots on top, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
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
1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
Mix in some cooked bacon pieces for smoky richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain crispy tater tots.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels can be used in place of frozen. Just make sure they are cooked or blanched before adding to the casserole to ensure tenderness.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 673 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, mixed with sweet corn, sharp red onion, and melty cheddar cheese, all topped with crispy baked tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole combines savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 cup BBQ sauce
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 (32-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly and achieving crispy tater tots.
Prepare chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces to allow for even distribution throughout the casserole and easy eating.
Mix chicken and BBQ sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly with flavor.
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 combine all flavors.
Assemble casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the mixture, covering it completely for a crispy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown, crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
Cool and garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut, or cook chicken breast or thighs beforehand.
Feel free to substitute cheddar with any other melting cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra smoky heat.
Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
To make it gluten-free, verify that the BBQ sauce and tater tots are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Casserole, Tater Tot Casserole, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food, Baked Casserole