Save to Pinterest 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.
I first made this version on a chilly evening when we wanted something filling but quick. The tater tot topping made it a big hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Frozen mixed vegetables: 1 ½ cups (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 ½ cups
- Milk: ½ cup (any type)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 (28-ounce) bag
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): ½ cup, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 min.
- Make roux:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 min, stirring constantly.
- Add liquids:
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until mixture thickens, about 3-4 min.
- Season and combine:
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2-3 min until heated through.
- Transfer and assemble:
- Transfer filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add topping:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 min, or until tater tots are golden and crispy. If desired, sprinkle cheddar cheese over tots in last 5 min of baking.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 5 min before serving.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this dish reminds me of cozy dinners with my kids, when everyone raced to get the crispiest tater tot topping.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
Serve this pot pie with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to make it a complete meal. It's great for potlucks and gatherings.
Customization Tips
You can swap vegetables, use turkey or ham, or sprinkle paprika for extra flavor. Fresh or canned vegetables work just as well as frozen.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides about 390 calories, 18 g fat, 36 g carbohydrates, and 19 g protein, making it satisfying and well balanced.
Save to Pinterest This hearty bake is easy to make and sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy crispy tater tots with savory, comforting filling every time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, turkey or ham can be used as alternatives to chicken for different flavor profiles.
- → What vegetables work best for this dish?
Frozen mixed vegetables including peas, carrots, corn, and green beans provide a balanced texture and flavor.
- → How can I ensure the topping gets crispy?
Bake the tater tots uncovered at 400°F (200°C) until they turn golden brown, usually 30-35 minutes.
- → Is it possible to add cheese without overpowering the dish?
Sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots in the last 5 minutes of baking adds a mild cheesy touch.
- → Are there suggestions to enhance the flavor?
Adding a pinch of paprika or fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the aromatic profile of the dish.
- → What kitchen tools are needed?
A large skillet, whisk, baking dish (9x13 inch), and oven are essential for preparation and baking.