Cozy BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe for Family Fun

Comfort food reaches new heights with this bbq chicken tater tot casserole that promises to become a weeknight dinner sensation.

Layers of crispy potatoes and tender, juicy chicken create a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The hearty casserole blends smoky barbecue flavors with classic comfort ingredients.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Cheese melts into golden-brown tater tots, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a creamy interior.

This one-pan meal comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy households seeking delicious and quick dinner solutions.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible aroma and flavor of this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tools To Make BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing chicken and sauce ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Cooking spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Mixing spoon or spatula: Needed for stirring ingredients together.
• Measuring cups: Useful for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For chopping green onions as a garnish.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

How To Cook BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking love to prevent sticking.

• Create the Flavor Bomb

Grab a big mixing bowl and dance those ingredients together – shred that chicken and mix in BBQ sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of spicy seasonings. Fold in some cheesy goodness until everything hugs perfectly.

• Layer the Deliciousness

Spread your saucy chicken mixture across the baking dish like you’re painting a tasty masterpiece. Crown the top with a crispy parade of tater tots, then shower the entire creation with a blizzard of shredded cheese.

• Bake and Transform

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let magic happen for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tots turn golden and crispy. Once out, rain down some crumbled bacon and chopped green onions. For extra wow, drizzle an extra splash of BBQ sauce on top.

Helpful Tips For BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Flavor Boost Tips: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the BBQ chicken mixture for an extra kick of heat that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap tater tots with cauliflower tots or sliced zucchini rounds for a lower-carb version that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• Protein Power Options: Substitute chicken with pulled pork or ground turkey for a different protein profile that keeps the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn to create a plant-based version that's packed with flavor and nutrition.

How To Serve BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this casserole with a fresh garden salad to balance the rich, smoky flavors and add a crisp texture contrast.
• Dip Delight: Prepare extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing on the side for guests who love additional dipping options with their tater tots.
• Comfort Companion: Pair with cool, creamy coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables to cut through the dish's hearty and decadent profile, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Summer Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to backyard gatherings, where its easy-to-serve nature and bold flavors will make it an instant hit among friends and family.

Storing BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole The Right Way

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and food safety.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore crispiness by using the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Break up any cold spots to ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store flat in the freezer for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers before storing. This method helps with meal prepping, reduces waste, and provides grab-and-go lunch or dinner options during busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Needed For BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that forms the hearty foundation, best when using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and rich flavor, choose a high-quality sauce with balanced smoky notes.
• Sour Cream: Provides creamy texture and subtle tang, full-fat version works best for richness.
• Cream Cheese: Ensures smooth, velvety consistency in the mixture, let soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle savory depth without overwhelming other flavors.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall flavor profile with mild, aromatic undertones.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky dimension that complements the BBQ theme.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, tangy flavor, sharp varieties provide more intense taste.
• Bacon Crumbles: Brings crispy, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish, pre-cooked bacon saves preparation time.
• Green Onions: Provides fresh, light garnish with mild onion brightness.

• Tater Tots: Creates crispy, golden crown for the casserole, frozen varieties work perfectly and ensure consistent texture.

Sizzling BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

BBQ chicken tater tot casserole delivers comfort through layers of crispy potatoes and tender chicken smothered in tangy sauce. Hearty midwest-style comfort beckons you to savor each cheesy, smoky bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (28 oz / 794 g) bag frozen tater tots
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup green onions
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Extra BBQ sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Flavor Foundation: Blend shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, incorporating sour cream and cream cheese to create a luxuriously creamy mixture. Infuse depth with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring robust and complex flavor dimensions.
3. Cheese Integration: Thoroughly fold shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture, guaranteeing uniform distribution and maximizing flavor consistency.
4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the seasoned chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base. Meticulously arrange tater tots in a precise single layer, covering the entire surface to ensure optimal crispiness.
5. Topping Optimization: Liberally sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the tater tots, allowing for complete melting and golden-brown transformation during baking.
6. Baking Process: Roast the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching for perfectly crisp, golden-brown tater tots that signal complete cooking.
7. Final Garnish: Remove from oven and embellish with crispy bacon crumbles and freshly chopped green onions. Optionally drizzle additional BBQ sauce for an extra flavor boost and visually appealing presentation.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Shred chicken while warm to achieve smoother, more tender pieces that blend seamlessly with sauce and seasonings.
• Balance Moisture Carefully: Use room temperature cream cheese and sour cream to prevent casserole from becoming watery, ensuring a rich yet stable consistency.
• Layer Tater Tots Strategically: Arrange tots in single, non-overlapping layer to guarantee maximum crispiness and even golden-brown coloring across entire dish surface.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular tater tots with cauliflower tots for low-carb version, or use gluten-free BBQ sauce for celiac-friendly adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg