If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely have to try this Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole. It brings together tender, shredded chicken drenched in creamy Alfredo sauce, a dollop of tangy sour cream, and a crispy golden blanket of tater tots that bake up beautifully in the oven. Every bite is a rich, satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will quickly turn this recipe into a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just want a comforting meal that’s easy to throw together, this Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole ticks all the boxes.

Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the creamy Alfredo sauce adding indulgent flavor, to the peas that sneak in a pop of green and a touch of freshness, and of course the crispy tater tots that bring irresistible crunch and golden color to the dish.

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds juicy, tender meat without the fuss.
1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce: This rich, garlicky cream sauce is the heart and soul that makes the casserole satisfyingly creamy.
1 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra creaminess to the sauce mix.
1 cup frozen peas: A sweet and colorful vegetable addition that boosts the nutritional value.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the flavor with a subtle but essential garlic kick.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the sauce mixture.
1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots: The crispy, golden topping everyone loves—the perfect texture contrast.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, making the casserole extra gooey and delicious.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce Mixture

Start by combining your shredded chicken with Alfredo sauce, sour cream, peas, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is well coated; this mixture will be the creamy, flavorful base of your casserole.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Next, pour the chicken and sauce mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. This layer is what will keep your dish moist and luscious under all that crispy topping.

Step 3: Add the Tater Tots and Cheese

Evenly distribute the frozen tater tots over the top of your creamy chicken base, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tots. This combination bakes up to a crunchy, cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the assembled casserole in the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step transforms your casserole into a comforting masterpiece.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper on top adds a fresh burst of color and lifts the flavors beautifully. You can even add a touch of grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy punch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the creamy richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are also great options that complement the flavors without overwhelming your taste buds.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, consider serving individual portions in small ramekins or oven-safe bowls—this makes it feel extra special and personalized. You can also top with a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon for a delightful twist that surprises and delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain flavor and texture.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish as instructed but do not bake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the tater tots from drying out and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Or, for individual servings, microwave until hot, though it won’t be quite as crispy as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Absolutely. You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure they’re fully cooked and nicely shredded before mixing with the sauce.

Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?

Yes! Swap the heavy Alfredo sauce for a lighter homemade version using Greek yogurt or use reduced-fat cheese. Adding more veggies like mushrooms or spinach also boosts the nutrition.

Can I substitute tater tots with something else?

Definitely. If tater tots aren’t your thing, try using frozen hash browns or even thinly sliced potatoes for a similar effect, though the texture might vary slightly.

What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?

You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese to keep that creamy, tangy flavor that complements the Alfredo sauce so well.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Look for bubbly edges, melted and golden cheese on top, and crispy tater tots. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) if you want to be precise.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a dish as comforting and crowd-pleasing as this Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole. It’s deceptively simple to make, yet packed with layers of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious, heartwarming meal soon!

Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is a cozy and comforting dinner that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and crispy tater tots baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy and hearty family favorite, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, frozen peas, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly blended.
Assemble Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it is level to allow even topping.
Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the chicken mixture, covering it completely for a crispy, golden crust once baked.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly.
Add Cheese Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven carefully and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tater tots.
Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving warm. Enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!

Notes

Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut, but you can use any cooked chicken.
Feel free to swap frozen peas with other vegetables like broccoli or corn.
For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or parmesan cheese to the chicken mixture.
If avoiding sour cream, Greek yogurt can be a healthier substitute.
Use fresh mozzarella for a richer, creamier melt.
This casserole is freezer-friendly; bake first, then freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American