Introduction

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce and crispy tater tots. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to the chicken mixture.
Swap out cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different taste.
Add diced jalapeños or green chilies for a spicy kick.
Rest the baked casserole a bit longer if you want firmer portions when slicing and serving.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and the tater tots regain some crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute fresh corn kernels in place of frozen. Just make sure to thaw frozen corn first if using, and if using fresh, remove the kernels from the cob before adding them to the mix.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baked straight from the fridge.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 142 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with tangy BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, corn, and onions, all topped with crispy baked tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, it combines savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or home-cooked)
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-ounce bag)

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
Prepare Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing and even distribution throughout the casserole.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well to coat all pieces evenly.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the bowl; mix until everything is well incorporated.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Next, arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient way to prepare this recipe.
Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
For extra zest, add a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
Ensure tater tots are arranged in a single layer for even crispiness.
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

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