Savory BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for All Ages

Comfort meets creativity in this mouthwatering bbq chicken tater tot casserole that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something spectacular.

Layers of crispy potato gems nestle against tender, juicy chicken pieces glazed with smoky barbecue sauce.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and flavors that dance across your palate.

Cheesy goodness melts between golden tater tots, creating a network of irresistible bites.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients combine into such a crowd-pleasing dish.

Our kitchen-tested recipe guarantees a meal that will have people asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Variations To Explore

• Mexican Fiesta Fusion: Replace BBQ sauce with salsa, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy southwestern kick.
• Ranch Chicken Remix: Swap BBQ sauce for ranch dressing, incorporate diced bell peppers, and garnish with fresh chives for a creamy, herbaceous version.
• Smoky Southwest Spin: Use chipotle BBQ sauce, mix in black beans, corn kernels, and finish with cilantro for a robust southwestern-style casserole.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Substitute BBQ sauce with sun-dried tomato paste, add crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Common Questions About BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and convenient option that works perfectly. Just shred the meat and mix it with the other ingredients as directed.

• Is this casserole spicy?

Not really. The recipe uses standard BBQ sauce and mild spices like garlic and onion powder. You can adjust the heat level by choosing a spicier BBQ sauce if you want more kick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and cover it in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

• What if I don't have cream cheese?

No problem. You can substitute with additional sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.

Why BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Is A Family Favorite

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This casserole delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Crowd-Pleaser: The recipe easily adapts to different preferences by swapping chicken types, adjusting BBQ sauce intensity, or adding extra toppings to suit everyone's taste buds.
• Create Hearty Family Memories: Packed with cheesy, crispy goodness, this one-dish wonder transforms ordinary ingredients into a satisfying meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: With just 15 minutes of preparation and simple ingredients, you'll have a mouthwatering dinner ready that looks like you spent all day cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need For BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Hearty base of the casserole, best when using rotisserie or freshly cooked chicken for maximum flavor.
• Bacon Crumbles: Adds crispy, smoky texture to the top of the dish, works great with pre-cooked bacon bits.

• Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredients that provide rich, tangy texture to the chicken mixture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that adds sharpness and creates a golden, gooey topping.

• BBQ Sauce: Gives sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, choose a smoky or spicy variety for extra depth.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Spices that boost the overall savory profile of the casserole.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a light, sharp flavor and bright color.

• Tater Tots: Provides a crispy, golden potato layer that serves as the casserole's crunchy topping.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking dish.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Packed Chicken Base

• Shredded chicken
• BBQ sauce
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika

Fold in shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture looks creamy and well blended.

Step 3: Layer and Build the Casserole

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Carefully place tater tots in a single, neat layer on top of the chicken mixture. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, pull the casserole out of the oven. Scatter bacon crumbles and chopped green onions across the top. For an extra flavor boost, drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the casserole.

Serve hot and enjoy this comfort food masterpiece that combines crispy tots, tangy BBQ chicken, and melted cheese!

Tips To Get BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Just Right

• Customize Your Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack or leftover grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor, making the dish even more versatile and delicious.
• Control the Spice Level: Adjust the BBQ sauce's heat by selecting mild, medium, or spicy varieties to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the casserole's overall texture.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add diced bell peppers or frozen mixed vegetables to the chicken mixture for extra nutrients and a pop of color, creating a more balanced one-dish meal.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular tater tots for gluten-free versions and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free certified to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, allowing for convenient meal planning and stress-free entertaining.

Storing BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Smartly

• Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a sprinkle of extra cheese to restore moisture.
• Avoid freezing this dish, as the tater tots will lose their crispy texture and become soggy when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe and enjoy the delicious flavors while they're still vibrant and appetizing.

What Pairs With BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Craft Bold Beer Pairings: Grab a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the rich, creamy casserole. These beers complement the smoky BBQ sauce and provide a crisp contrast to the cheesy, hearty dish.
• Create Zesty Salad Sidekick: Whip up a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey. The fresh, crunchy slaw balances the casserole's heaviness and adds a bright, refreshing element to the meal.
• Design Cool Wine Selection: Choose a slightly chilled, fruity Zinfandel or Pinot Noir. These wines match the BBQ's sweet and smoky notes while offering a smooth backdrop to the cheesy chicken and crispy tater tots.
• Mix Refreshing Mocktail: Blend sparkling lemonade with a splash of ginger ale and fresh mint. This light, fizzy drink cleanses the palate between bites and provides a cool counterpoint to the warm, rich casserole.

Bbq Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, a crowd-pleasing dish that marries smoky flavors with crispy potato goodness. Hearty layers of shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and golden tater tots create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 4 slices bacon

Dairy and Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Starch and Garnish:

• 1 (28 ounces) bag frozen tater tots
• ¼ cup green onions

Optional Topping:

• Extra BBQ sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a flavorful base by combining shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, introducing rich tangy notes through sour cream and cream cheese for a creamy texture.
3. Enhance the mixture with aromatic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to develop a complex flavor profile.
4. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly blended and evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.
5. Transfer the seasoned chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create a consistent foundation for the casserole.
6. Carefully arrange tater tots in a precise single layer across the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface for maximum crispiness.
7. Generously scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots, allowing it to melt and create a golden, crispy topping during baking.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, monitoring until the tater tots turn a beautiful golden brown and become wonderfully crisp.
9. Once removed from the oven, garnish with crispy bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.
10. Optional: Drizzle additional BBQ sauce over the casserole to intensify the tangy flavor and create an appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream to create a lighter version of this hearty dish.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced bell peppers or corn into the chicken mixture for extra nutrients.
• Make this casserole gluten-free by selecting gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensuring tater tots are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg