BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a deliciously comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken with savory BBQ sauce and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite brand or flavor.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (This cheese melts beautifully.)
• 1 cup frozen corn (Adds sweetness and color.)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion (Provides a sharp flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the onion flavor.)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)
• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag, provides a crispy finish.)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick.
• You can substitute frozen corn with canned corn, just be sure to drain it well.
• If you prefer a saucier casserole, add an extra 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked shredded jackfruit or your favorite plant-based protein.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to restore crispiness to the tater tots, or microwave on medium power until heated through, although the tots may lose some crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh corn kernels work well too. Just blanch or sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture to ensure they cook evenly.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from chilled.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken in tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheddar cheese, sweet corn, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or casual family gathering, this recipe brings together savory flavors and a satisfying crispy topping.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite brand or flavor.)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (This cheese melts beautifully.)
• 1 cup frozen corn (Adds sweetness and color.)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion (Provides a sharp flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the onion flavor.)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)

Topping

• 1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag, provides a crispy finish.)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the casserole to perfection.
2. Prepare Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even distribution in the casserole.
3. Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to integrate all flavors.
5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create a solid base.
6. Add Tater Tot Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture, ensuring they cover the surface evenly for a crispy texture.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots turn golden brown and crispy on top.
8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added color and freshness.

Notes

• You can swap frozen corn for fresh or canned corn if preferred.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
• Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce to customize the flavor profile.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if cooking from chilled.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave but may lose some crispiness.

Keywords: BBQ chicken casserole, tater tot casserole, easy dinner recipe, baked chicken recipe, comfort food casserole