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If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together crispy, golden tater tots with a creamy, savory chicken filling, look no further than this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. It’s a delicious twist on a classic pot pie that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal. The blend of tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and rich cream sauce under a crunchy tater tot crust makes every bite utterly satisfying and memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component—from the fresh veggies to the creamy sauce—plays an essential role in making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base to sauté the vegetables and builds flavor for the filling.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweet, aromatic depth when cooked down.
- Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the filling.
- Celery: Offers a subtle crunch and umami to balance the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses a fragrant punch that enhances every bite.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Introduce a lovely herbaceous note that brightens the pot pie.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it coats the filling perfectly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a savory base and keeps the filling moist without overpowering it.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Makes this dish quick and easy with tender, flavorful protein throughout.
- Frozen peas: A pop of color and sweetness that complements the savory filling.
- Frozen tater tots: The ultimate topping that crisps up golden and provides a fun, nostalgic crunch.
How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, along with fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté these together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. This step is crucial because it builds the flavorful foundation for your pot pie filling.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Next, sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and cook for an additional 2 minutes while whisking frequently. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a creamy sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continually whisking, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and lump-free. Let it come to a boil, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that will coat every bite.
Step 3: Add the Chicken and Peas
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas directly into the creamy filling. Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes so the peas thaw and all the flavors meld perfectly together. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. This step brings everything together to create the classic, comforting heart of this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake the Tater Tot Crust
Remove the skillet from heat and neatly arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern over the chicken mixture. This not only ensures an even crispness but also creates a visually appealing top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tater tots turn beautifully golden brown.
Step 5: Crisp Up the Tots
For an irresistible crispy finish, switch on your oven’s broiler and broil the pot pie for 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, but this last step gives the tater tots that perfect crunchy top layer that makes this dish so crave-worthy. Once done, slice and serve your Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie immediately, enjoying that delightful mix of creamy, warm filling and crisp topping.
How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a handful of chopped chives right before serving. The fresh green herbs contrast beautifully with the golden crust and add a burst of color and freshness to each plate. For a touch of indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on the side can provide an extra creamy tang that complements the rich filling.
Side Dishes
Since the pot pie is hearty and filling, lighter sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple roasted vegetable medley to balance out the richness. Steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus add bright, fresh flavors that pair wonderfully with this classic comfort dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the pot pie in individual ramekins for a beautiful presentation and personalized portions. This approach makes each serving feel special and is perfect for dinner parties. You can also swap the chicken for turkey or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or corn for a twist on this beloved recipe. Whichever way you serve it, the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe never fails to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store any leftover Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When covered well, the creamy filling stays moist, and the tater tots retain much of their texture, although they may soften slightly overnight.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze the pot pie before baking by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add extra baking time and keep an eye on the crust for perfect golden-brown results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the tater tots regain some crispness, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture of the tater tot topping—it tends to get soggy in the microwave but will re-crisp nicely in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer. Just cook until fully done, shred, and fold into the filling as instructed. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient shortcut that saves time.
Can I substitute the tater tots with mashed potatoes?
You can, but the tater tots add a unique crispy texture that mashed potatoes won’t provide. If you prefer mashed potatoes, consider topping the filling with a thick layer and then broiling to get a slight crust on top.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine, use a non-dairy cream such as coconut or cashew cream, and check your broth for any dairy additives. This keeps the dish rich while making it suitable for lactose intolerance.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Mushrooms, corn, green beans, or even bell peppers make great additions. Just chop them finely and sauté with the other vegetables so they soften before adding the broth and cream.
What’s the best way to reheat without losing the crunch of the tater tots?
Reheat in a preheated oven rather than a microwave. Oven reheating helps bring back the crispy texture on top while warming the filling evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate. It’s approachable, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, this pot pie will quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Go ahead and try it—you’re going to love every comforting bite!
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Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie combines the classic comfort of a creamy chicken pot pie filling with a crispy, golden tater tot topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, featuring tender chicken and vegetables in a savory sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small or 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 large stalk celery, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Topping:
- 1 (32-oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pot pie.
- Sauté vegetables: Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme. Season the vegetables with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add flour: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for another 2 minutes, whisking frequently to eliminate any lumps and create a roux.
- Make the sauce: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer thickening sauce: Let the filling simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
- Add chicken and peas: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas. Allow it to simmer for 2 additional minutes so the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare topping: Remove the skillet from heat and arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern evenly over the chicken filling.
- Bake the pot pie: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through.
- Broil for crispiness: Turn on the oven’s broiler and broil the tater tot topping for 1 to 2 minutes, carefully watching to prevent burning, until the tater tots are extra crisp and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor, but cooked homemade chicken works as well.
- Feel free to swap frozen peas with other vegetables like corn or green beans based on preference.
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe; otherwise transfer to a baking dish after assembling.
- Keep an eye on the tater tots during broiling to avoid burning as broilers can vary in intensity.
- This dish can be made ahead to the assembly stage and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
