Chicken Tot Pie: A Comfort Food Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Tot Pie casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming ordinary weeknights into cozy, comforting experiences. Imagine a creamy, cheesy chicken filling bubbling beneath a golden-brown, crispy layer of tater tots. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic embrace in every bite. My family eagerly anticipates this dish, and I cherish the simplicity of recreating classic chicken pot pie flavors without the fuss of a traditional pie crust.

Golden brown Chicken Tot Pie in a white casserole dish — A delicious Chicken Tot Pie, fresh out of the oven.

Yes, you read that right! We’re taking the heart-warming essence of chicken pot pie and elevating it with a delectable tater tot topping. It’s the ultimate fusion of comfort foods! Honestly, sometimes I crave the ease and crispiness of tots more than pie crust. This recipe originated from a resourceful moment with leftover rotisserie chicken and a forgotten bag of frozen tater tots. Since then, it’s become a cherished dinner staple, especially during those chilly evenings when warmth and satisfaction are paramount.

Essential Tips for Perfect Chicken Tot Pie

Grate Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated cheese melts far more smoothly. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that hinder proper melting. For a truly creamy, cheesy finish, always shred cheese directly from the block.
Maintain Tater Tot Crispiness: Soggy tater tots are a culinary tragedy. To achieve that perfect golden, crispy topping, bake the casserole uncovered. If the tots begin to darken excessively, gently tent the dish with foil during the final 10 minutes of baking. This allows the filling to bubble and cook while preserving the crispiness of the tots.
Optimal Chicken Size: For the most delightful texture in every bite, chop your cooked chicken into small, approximately ½-inch cubes. This size is ideal, slightly larger than the peas and carrots, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in each spoonful.

Chicken Tot Pie

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

45 minutes

Total:

1 hour

Servings:

6
servings

Overhead view of golden brown chicken tot pie baked in a white casserole dish, topped with rows of crispy tater tots.

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Easy Chicken Tot Pie casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy chicken filling, melted cheddar, and crispy tater tots on top!

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Equipment

9″x9″ baking dish

Ingredients

▢

5
tablespoons
butter
▢

1
small
sweet onion,
diced small
▢

1
celery rib,
trimmed and diced small
▢

1 & 3/4
cups
frozen peas and carrots,
(no need to thaw first)
▢

2
cloves
garlic,
minced
▢

1/2
teaspoon
coarse salt
▢

1/4
teaspoon
black pepper
▢

1/4
teaspoon
garlic powder
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1/4
teaspoon
dried thyme
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1/3
cup
all-purpose flour
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1 & 3/4
cups
low-sodium chicken broth
▢

2/3
cups
whole milk
▢

1 & 1/2
cups
cooked chicken breast,
cut into very small ½-inch cubes
▢

1/3
cup
freshly shredded cheddar cheese
▢

28
ounce
bag frozen tater tots,
(you won’t use