Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
1 h 10 min
|
intermediate
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 25 min | 45 min | 1 h 10 min |
Introduction
This tater tot chicken pot pie has all the cozy comfort of classic pot pie, topped with a crispy, golden tater tot crust.
The creamy chicken and veggie filling comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual Sunday dinners.
Frozen tater tots and a blend of melty cheeses keep this recipe family-friendly, budget-friendly, and totally irresistible.
Ingredients (6 servings)
Ingredients for the Chicken
Ingredients for Filling
Ingredients for Topping
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How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie
-
Poach the chicken
Add the chicken breasts, water, chicken broth, salt, pepper, bay leaf, and thyme to a large pot.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the chicken is opaque.
Plan on about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
-
Shred the chicken and reserve broth
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it cool until it is comfortable to handle.
Strain the cooking liquid, then measure out 2 cups and set it aside for the pot pie filling.
Save any extra broth for soup, or chill and freeze it for another cozy meal later.
-
Start the vegetable base
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt the butter in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrots, and celery, then cook until the vegetables are softened and lightly golden at the edges.
Stir in the garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme, and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
-
Thicken the creamy sauce
Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables and stir until everything looks pasty and no dry spots remain.
Slowly whisk in the reserved 2 cups of cooking liquid, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the half-and-half and the bouillon cube, then keep cooking until the sauce is thick and gently bubbling.
-
Finish the filling
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt or pepper if you like.
Stir in the shredded or diced chicken and the frozen peas, and cook just until the peas lose their chill.
Spread this creamy filling evenly in the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
-
Add the tater tot topping
Arrange the frozen tater tots in neat rows over the filling, keeping them in a single, even layer.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the tater tots.
-
Bake and serve
Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the tater tots are deep golden.
If you want extra crispiness, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely so the topping does not burn.
Let the pot pie rest for at least 10 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before scooping and serving.
Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of poached chicken
- Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and still gives tender, flavorful meat, and the seasoned skin adds extra savory depth.
- Swap carrots, celery, and peas for frozen mixed vegetables
- A bag of frozen mixed vegetables keeps prep simple and still delivers color, sweetness, and texture in every bite.
- Replace half-and-half with whole milk or unsweetened oat milk
- Whole milk gives a slightly lighter sauce, while oat milk keeps the filling creamy and comforting for dairy-free guests.
Tips
- Poach gently for the juiciest chicken
- Keep the liquid at a bare simmer, since boiling hard can make the chicken tough and stringy instead of tender.
- Make the filling fairly thick
- Make the filling fairly thick, because it will loosen slightly as it bakes under the tater tots.
- Use very cold tater tots
- Bake the casserole soon after topping, since very cold tater tots crisp better and brown more evenly in the oven.
- Let the pot pie rest before serving
- That short rest helps the creamy filling set up a bit, so scoops hold together instead of running everywhere.
- Assemble ahead for busy nights
- You can build the casserole early, chill it covered, then bake from the fridge, adding 10 to 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 600 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 35 | g |
| Total Fat | 31 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- How do I stop the tater tots from turning soggy?
- Make sure the filling is thick and hot, and keep the tater tots in one even, uncovered layer.
- My filling came out thin; how can I fix it?
- Simmer the sauce a few more minutes before adding chicken and peas, or whisk in a little flour mixed with broth.
- Can I use leftover cooked turkey or ham instead of chicken?
- Yes, chopped turkey or ham works well; just stir it in at the end and warm it through without overcooking.
- Can I freeze this tater tot chicken pot pie?
- Bake the casserole, cool it completely, then wrap it well and freeze; reheat from frozen until hot and crisp again.
- What size pan should I use if I do not have a 9x13 dish?
- Use two smaller baking dishes, like 8x8 pans, and divide the filling and tater tots evenly between them.
Serving Suggestions
This cozy tater tot chicken pot pie brings classic comfort to any weeknight table or relaxed weekend gathering.
Serve it with a crisp green salad and something tangy, like pickles, to balance the rich, creamy filling.
For a fun twist, sprinkle on crumbled cooked bacon or extra herbs after baking for even more flavor and crunch.
More pairings:
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