There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling casserole that brings the whole family to the table, and this Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole delivers that comfort in spades. It combines the nostalgic appeal of crispy tater tots with tender chicken and a creamy sauce that melts together into one delicious, crowd-pleasing dish.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. The contrast between the golden, crispy tots on top and the savory, creamy chicken mixture underneath creates a texture paradise that both kids and adults will eagerly dig into.
Why You’ll Love This
- Hands-off cooking – just layer ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work
- Kid-friendly comfort food that adults will equally enjoy
- Perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights
- Customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand
- Minimal cleanup with just one cooking vessel
Ingredients
- 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
- 3 ounce bag bacon pieces
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Any other seasoning you prefer (like cajun or blackened seasoning)
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 of the bacon pieces.
- Now top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Add diced chicken on top and season the chicken with salt and pepper and any of your other favorite seasoning.
- Now add 1/3 of the bacon pieces and another 1/3 of shredded cheese.
- Put the rest of the frozen tater tots on top.
- Finish with the remaining 1/3 cheddar cheese and remaining 1/3 of bacon pieces.
- Pour 3/4 cup milk all over the top.
- Cover and cook on low about 4-6 hours. Then serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the soup mixture
- Substitute ground beef or turkey for the chicken if preferred
- Add bacon bits to the cheese topping for a smoky flavor boost
- Use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom if you have mushroom-averse eaters
- For a spicy kick, mix in 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check for doneness earlier to prevent overcooking
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is practically a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect complement to balance the richness. For an extra special touch, serve with a dollop of additional sour cream and some sliced green onions or chives sprinkled on top.
If you’re feeding a particularly hungry crowd, warm dinner rolls or crusty bread on the side will help soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- This casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then placed in the slow cooker the next day
- For a crispier topping, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! Just be aware that fresh vegetables may release more moisture. Consider sautéing them briefly before adding to reduce excess liquid.
My casserole seems too soupy. What went wrong?
This can happen if your chicken releases a lot of moisture. Try cooking with the lid slightly ajar for the last hour to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, but freeze before adding the tater tots. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the tater tots, and proceed with cooking.
Can I make this in the oven instead?
Absolutely! Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, then uncover, add the remaining cheese, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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