Let’s chat about the Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, a dish where cozy meets convenience!
This flavorful and hearty recipe combines chicken, cheese, and the crispy texture of tater tots to create a bite train to your mouth.
For the best taste, use shredded chicken instead of chunks to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Trust me, this casserole is a breeze to prepare, and you might find it becoming an easy go-to meal for busy weeknights.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chicken (cooked, shredded)
- 2 cans Cream of Celery Soup (10.5 oz each)
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 1 bag Tater Tots (32 oz)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of celery soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced onion.
Mix well.
Step 3:
Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
Step 4:
Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the tater tots.
Step 5:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Crispier Tater Tots:
Bake the tater tots on a baking sheet for 20 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
This makes them extra crispy!
Cheese Variety:
Use two different kinds of cheese to boost the flavor of your casserole.
Try combinations like cheddar and mozzarella or cheddar and Swiss.
Make It Ahead:
You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance.
Assemble everything, then cover tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Resist Stirring:
It’s tempting, but avoid stirring the casserole while it bakes to keep the layers intact.
The layering ensures a perfect bite every time!
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Fresh Garden Salad
A garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken tater tot casserole.
You can mix in crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumbers for an invigorating side.
It’s easy to toss together and adds a vibrant touch to your meal!
Garlic Green Beans
Garlic green beans are another wonderful side that pairs well with this casserole.
Just sauté green beans with a bit of garlic, and you’ve got a savory and crisp addition.
This dish is simple, yet it brings a nice balance to the table alongside the casserole.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli adds both color and nutrition to your plate.
It’s a traditional favorite that never gets old, and it complements the casserole beautifully.
The broccoli’s mild flavor won’t overshadow the main dish, making it a perfect choice.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels caramelize in the oven, creating a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s quite satisfying.
This unique option can win over even those who aren’t initially Brussels sprouts fans!
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries introduce a hint of sweetness next to the savory tater tot casserole.
Bake them until they’re crispy, and you’ve got a side that’s both fun and delicious.
These fries add a unique twist and are a fantastic way to mix up traditional sides.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Options
You can use canned chicken for convenience, but remember to drain it well and shred it slightly before adding.
If you have leftover roasted chicken, it works wonderfully too!
Soup Variations
Swap out the condensed cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken or cream of celery to play with different flavor profiles.
Feel free to mix two types of soup for a richer taste experience.
Vegetable Additions
Adding green beans or peas for extra nutrition is a great way to boost the dish.
Frozen vegetables like corn or mixed vegetables work well and are easy to add to your casserole.
Cheese Choices
Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella can bring a different spin to the dish.
For a bit of spice, try using pepper jack cheese!
Spice It Up
A sprinkle of chili powder or cumin on the tater tots before baking can add a nice kick.
If you’re adventurous, a dash of smoked paprika can give a subtle smoky flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Keep those leftovers tasty with the right storage tips!
Storing your leftover Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is simple and keeps your meal fresh.
In the Refrigerator
You want to transfer the casserole to an airtight container.
This method helps seal in the flavors and protects them from fridge odors.
It will stay fresh for up to four days.
In the Freezer
Planning to save leftovers for a longer time?
Place your casserole in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.
This is a great way to enjoy this delicious dish later!
Before Freezing
When freezing, ensure the dish cools down completely.
You can portion it into individual servings to make thawing and reheating more manageable.
This approach saves time when you crave a quick meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Chicken Preparation
Make sure the chicken is not straight out of the fridge when adding it to the casserole.
Cold chicken can cause the baking time to increase, leaving the dish unevenly cooked.
Consider cooking the chicken ahead of time, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Overloading the Mix
Resist the temptation to add extra cheese and sauce to the mix before baking.
Too much cheese or sauce can make the casserole too runny, instead of creamy and hearty.
Stick to the recommended quantities to achieve the perfect texture.
Ignoring the Baking Time
It’s easy to get impatient, but pulling out the casserole too early can be disappointing.
The tater tots need time to reach the perfect crispiness.
Trust the baking time and let it cook until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Chicken cooked, shredded
- 2 cans Cream of Celery Soup 10.5 oz each
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables
- 1 Onion diced
- 1 bag Tater Tots 32 oz
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of celery soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and diced onion.
- Mix well.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the frozen tater tots, arranging them in a single layer.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.