Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mash-up with Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole! Imagine all the creamy decadence of Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, heaps of gooey cheese, and that irresistible golden crunch from tater tots—all baked together in one crowd-pleasing dish. It’s rich, filling, and designed to warm your soul (and tummy), whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or bringing smiles to your next potluck table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering everything for this casserole is a breeze, and each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s creamy texture, cheesy stretch, or just a pop of color. With a handful of essentials plus a few flavorful tweaks, you’ve got everything you need for a comforting, shareable meal that’s impossible to resist.
- Frozen tater tots (1 28 oz bag): The crispy topping that adds a playful crunch to every bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this quick, tender, and packed with protein.
- Alfredo sauce (15 oz jar): Ready-made for creamy flavor and velvety texture; homemade works, too!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Lends an extra layer of tangy creaminess, making the filling ultra-luxurious.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For that classic garlicky undertone without added prep time.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Balances the other flavors and deepens the savory notes.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): A subtle bite that ties all the flavors together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully for that signature gooey cheese pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Boosts the savory complexity and adds a little crispy edge on top.
- Frozen peas (1 cup, optional): Adds color and a touch of sweetness—perfect if you want some veggies in the mix.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Brightens up your finished dish with color and a fresh note.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Taking a moment to preheat ensures your casserole bakes evenly and that glorious cheesy, bubbly top forms right on schedule when you pop in your Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole.
Step 2: Mix Up the Filling
Grab a big mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, one cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and peas if you like. Give it all a thorough stir until everything is totally coated—the creaminess here is your best friend!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread out the chicken Alfredo mixture in an even layer. Arrange your frozen tater tots in a neat, single layer on top—no need to thaw! This will ensure you get that deliciously golden crunch with every serving.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese over the tater tots. This extra cheesy blanket practically guarantees that mouthwatering finish! Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the tots are beautifully crisp.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
When your casserole is golden and bubbling, take it out and let it sit for about 5 minutes—just enough time to keep the cheese luscious and for easier serving. Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of green on top.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a shower of freshly chopped parsley for color, but feel free to get creative! Sliced green onions or a dusting of extra grated Parmesan make fresh, flavorful finishing touches that truly elevate every plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but it absolutely shines when paired with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or crisp garlic bread. Those bright and crunchy sides help balance the rich, creamy elements of your Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or want to fancy things up, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Or, portion out squares and top each with a swirl of extra Alfredo sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—an easy way to transform comfort food into impressive dinner party fare!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole keeps beautifully! Just cover the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors actually meld and get even better by day two.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, assemble the casserole as directed but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it well in foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer (add an extra 10–15 minutes baking time) until hot and golden.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout (about 20–25 minutes). For crispy tots on top, uncover during the last 5 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, but the oven is best for reviving those crunchy edges!
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole with turkey instead?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie turkey works great and makes this casserole a fabulous post-holiday meal.
What’s the best way to add more vegetables?
Stir in cooked chopped broccoli, spinach, or mixed vegetables when you’re mixing up the filling. They’ll blend right in and add color and nutrition to every bite.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Yes! Homemade Alfredo sauce brings even richer flavor and is a wonderful way to take your Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole to the next level. Use your favorite recipe or a simple blend of cream, butter, and Parmesan.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free tater tots (readily available at many stores) and make sure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free. That’s it—your casserole will be just as creamy and delicious!
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the whole casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake as usual.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a cozier, more crowd-pleasing meal than Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and always a hit at the table—plus, it’s endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Give it a try and let this easy casserole turn into a new comfort classic in your home!
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Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and cheesy Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. This delicious casserole is a hearty combination of tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and crispy tater tots topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Tater Tots:
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and peas if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crisp.
- Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add cooked broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
- You can substitute the Alfredo sauce with homemade for a richer flavor.
- Great for using up leftover chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
