If you’re in the mood for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a big warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe. It blends tender shredded chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender peas, and a crispy golden blanket of tater tots, all topped off with melted mozzarella cheese. Every bite offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it an easy go-to for family dinners or potlucks where everyone wants seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but each plays a starring role in this delightful casserole, ensuring every mouthful is creamy, flavorful, and has that irresistible crispy finish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides tender protein and the hearty base of the dish.
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce: Brings that velvety, rich creaminess flavorful enough to tie everything together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture, keeping the filling luscious and moist.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Little pops of sweetness and a lovely touch of green to brighten the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the mixture with a warm, savory aroma that uplifts the entire dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to every bite.
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden topping that gives this casserole its irresistible crunch.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the tots for a gooey, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make clean-up easy later on.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, frozen peas, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly mixed and the creamy sauce coats each piece of chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. This ensures every slice of casserole will have a bit of that heavenly filling.
Step 4: Add the Tater Tots
Next, arrange the frozen tater tots on top in a single, even layer. These will bake up golden and crispy, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy base below.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to see the edges bubbling with creamy goodness and the tater tots turning that irresistible golden-brown color.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
Once baked, pull the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. This cheesy layer is about to make this dish next-level delicious.
Step 7: Final Bake for Melty Cheese
Return the casserole to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Watch closely as the mozzarella melts, bubbles, and starts to turn a slight golden shade—that’s when you know it’s ready.
Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This little pause helps everything set nicely, making it easier to slice and enjoy every flavorful bite.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil are wonderful garnishes, adding a pop of vibrant color and a fresh flavor kick that brightens up the creamy richness of this casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the indulgence. A simple Caesar salad or roasted asparagus works beautifully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. This makes the Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe feel extra special—perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay good for up to 3 days, making for an easy and comforting lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Assemble and freeze it before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. When you’re ready, bake it covered with foil at 375°F until heated through, then uncover and add cheese to finish.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Adding a minute or two under the broiler can crisp up the tater tot topping again for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce adds an extra touch of freshness and lets you control the flavors. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the casserole together nicely.
What kind of chicken works best?
Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken shredded into bite-sized pieces works wonderfully, saving you prep time and adding great flavor complexity.
Can I substitute the peas for other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to swap peas with broccoli florets, diced carrots, or even corn—anything that adds a bit of color and texture to this creamy casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after it’s baked?
While you can freeze leftovers after baking, the tater tots may lose some of their crispiness. Freezing before baking often yields a better texture when reheated.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling mixture. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños for a flavorful kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Its cozy blend of creamy, cheesy, crispy, and savory ingredients makes it a perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite you’re excited to serve again and again.
Print
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender shredded chicken in a creamy Alfredo sauce with peas, topped with crispy golden tater tots and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and bakes to bubbly, cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, frozen peas, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Spread Filling: Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to form a uniform layer.
- Arrange Tater Tots: Place the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture in a single, even layer to ensure crispiness.
- Bake Casserole: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots become golden brown and the casserole starts to bubble around the edges.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the hot tater tots layer.
- Melt Cheese: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set slightly, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for a time-saving option.
- Feel free to swap frozen peas with other frozen vegetables like corn or mixed vegetables to suit your taste.
- For extra cheesiness, add a shredded mozzarella layer under the tater tots as well.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispy tater tots.
