Pin 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.
My family always gets excited when I make this. It is one of those dinners everyone looks forward to, especially on cold nights.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Frozen mixed vegetables: 1 ½ cups (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 ½ cups
- Milk: ½ cup (any type)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 (28-ounce) bag
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): ½ cup (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook about 3 minutes until softened.
- Thicken sauce:
- Stir in flour for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk chicken broth and milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook until thickened, around 3-4 minutes.
- Season & add veggies:
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in mixed vegetables and chicken, simmering for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer to dish:
- Spread filling evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add tater tots:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top in the last 5 minutes, if using.
- Finish & serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin We love serving this pot pie on busy weeknights. It is easy enough for the kids to help with the layering of tater tots.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat (gluten), may contain soy and egg depending on ingredients used. Always read labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Each serving: 390 calories, 18 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, 19 g protein.
Pin This tater tot chicken pot pie is always a hit. Simple, filling, and absolutely delicious every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute turkey or ham for chicken?
Yes, turkey or ham can be used instead of chicken for a variation in flavor and protein.
- → What vegetables work best in this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables with peas, carrots, corn, and green beans provide a colorful, balanced mix, but fresh or canned vegetables can also be used.
- → Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken?
Cooked shredded or diced chicken, such as rotisserie or leftovers, works best for quick assembly and even heating.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the filling in advance and bake just before serving to retain the crispy topping texture.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Baking the tater tots uncovered at 400°F for 30-35 minutes ensures a golden, crispy finish.
- → Can I add cheese on top?
Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking adds a creamy, melty layer.