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
Scale
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.
