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BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

4.9 from 57 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, mixed with cheddar cheese, corn, and onions, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, it combines smoky, savory, and sweet flavors with an easy one-dish preparation baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or flavor)
  • 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 bag frozen tater tots (32 ounces)

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy distribution throughout the casserole.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken evenly.
  4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom.
  6. Add Topping: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture to create a crispy top.
  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.
  8. Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute the shredded chicken with leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
  • For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.
  • If you prefer a milder onion flavor, sauté the red onions slightly before adding them.
  • This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking for busy weeknights.
  • Use a baking dish with high sides to avoid spills during baking.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

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