Dinner

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

ByZoe Lane February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce and crispy tater tots. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

A white shallow bowl filled with a layered tater tot dish, showing three visible layers. The bottom layer is shredded cooked chicken mixed with small diced white onions, covered by a middle layer of melted cheese in shades of yellow and white. The top layer consists of golden-brown crispy tater tots arranged closely together, each topped with a drizzle of reddish-brown barbecue sauce and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
Step 4: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl and mix everything together.
Step 5: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
Add a handful of chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Swap shredded cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese experience.
Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crispy again.

How to Serve

The dish is served in a white bowl, filled with a thick layer of crispy golden brown tater tots that cover the whole surface. Beneath the tater tots is a layer of melted yellow and white cheese, gooey and slightly browned, mixed with shredded pieces of chicken. The top is drizzled with a rich dark brown sauce, spread unevenly over the tater tots. Small bits of chopped green herbs and white onion pieces are sprinkled over the entire dish, adding a fresh touch of color. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs first by boiling, baking, or grilling, then shred it before combining with the other ingredients.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.