Tater Tot Chicken Pot

Featured in: All-American Desserts

This dish blends tender chicken and a medley of vegetables in a creamy sauce, all baked under a crispy layer of golden tater tots. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, it offers a cozy, satisfying meal that brings warmth to the table. The savory filling is flavored with garlic, thyme, and gentle seasoning, while the tater tot topping adds texture contrast. Ideal for weekday dinners, it requires minimal prep and yields generous portions.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:49:00 GMT
Golden, crispy tater tots crown a creamy chicken pot pie filling in a baking dish. Save
Golden, crispy tater tots crown a creamy chicken pot pie filling in a baking dish. | dashofstates.com

A comforting twist on the classic chicken pot pie, topped with crispy tater tots instead of pastry. Budget-friendly, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.

We first made this for a busy weeknight and loved how quickly it came together. The whole family enjoys the crunchy topping and creamy filling every time it appears on our table.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
  • Vegetables: 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans), 1 small onion, diced
  • Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, ½ cup milk (any type), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Topping: 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
  • Optional: ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)

Instructions

Prep Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook Onion:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Make Roux:
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Add Liquids:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3 4 minutes.
Flavor Filling:
Add the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2 3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Add to Baking Dish:
Transfer the filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Top & Bake:
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy. If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest & Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Warm, savory tater tot chicken pot pie bubbling in an oven-safe dish, ready to eat. Save
Warm, savory tater tot chicken pot pie bubbling in an oven-safe dish, ready to eat. | dashofstates.com

This pot pie is a favorite on cold nights when everyone gathers around the table. Kids love helping arrange the tater tots on top before it goes into the oven.

Required Tools

Large skillet, whisk, 9x13 inch baking dish, oven

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk, Wheat (gluten). May contain: Soy (depending on tater tot brand), Egg (if using cheese). Always check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 390, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 19 g

Hearty, comforting chicken pot pie with tater tot topping, perfect for a family dinner. Save
Hearty, comforting chicken pot pie with tater tot topping, perfect for a family dinner. | dashofstates.com

This easy dish makes a fun centerpiece for casual family meals. Try adding your favorite vegetables for a personalized twist.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Yes, turkey or ham can be used instead of chicken for a similar flavor and texture.

Are fresh vegetables suitable for this dish?

Fresh vegetables can replace frozen ones; just adjust cooking time to ensure they soften appropriately.

What cheese works best as an optional topping?

Shredded cheddar cheese melts well and complements the savory flavors of the filling and crispy tots.

How can I add extra flavor to the filling?

Adding a pinch of paprika or fresh herbs can enhance the depth and aroma of the dish.

What equipment is needed to prepare this dish?

A large skillet for cooking the filling, a whisk for mixing, a baking dish (9x13-inch), and an oven for baking are required.

Tater Tot Chicken Pot

A comforting chicken and vegetable casserole topped with crispy tater tots, perfect for easy family meals.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
50 min
Created by Jordan Miller


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutritional considerations None specified

Components

Protein

01 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Vegetables

01 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
02 1 small onion, diced

Sauce

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
04 ½ cup milk (any type)
05 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
07 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping

01 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots

Optional

01 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Method

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F.

Phase 02

Cook onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes.

Phase 03

Prepare roux: Incorporate flour into the cooked onions and butter, stirring continuously for 1 minute.

Phase 04

Make sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring to prevent lumps, and cook until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 05

Combine filling: Season the sauce with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix in frozen mixed vegetables and cooked chicken, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.

Phase 06

Assemble dish: Transfer the filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Phase 07

Add topping: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer atop the filling.

Phase 08

Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden and crispy. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tots during the last 5 minutes.

Phase 09

Rest before serving: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Oven

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk and wheat (gluten). May contain soy and egg depending on brand and optional ingredients.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These figures are approximate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Energy: 390
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Proteins: 19 g