BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
