The Coziest Crockpot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable crockpot chicken tater tot casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a slow cooker, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s both simple and delicious.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly between crispy golden tater tots, delivering a symphony of textures and flavors.

The recipe combines classic comfort ingredients into one incredible dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory elements that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This no-fuss meal comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to enjoy a crowd-pleasing casserole that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Why Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Wins Hearts

• Craft Comfort Quickly: Whip up a hearty meal with minimal prep that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd-Gatherer: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and game nights where everyone craves something deliciously satisfying.
• Layer Like a Pro: Build mouthwatering flavor dimensions by strategically placing ingredients that create a rich, cheesy chicken experience with crispy tater tot edges.
• Kid-Friendly Kitchen Win: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese, bacon, and chicken that make mealtime fun and stress-free for parents.

Shopping for Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Ingredients

• Chicken: A tender and protein-packed ingredient that serves as the primary meat in this hearty casserole.

• Frozen Tater Tots: A convenient and crispy potato product that provides a delicious foundation and texture to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
• Milk: A liquid that helps bind the ingredients and create a smooth, cohesive casserole.

• Bacon Pieces: Crispy and salty meat bits that provide a smoky and savory dimension to the casserole.
• Salt: A basic seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the ingredients.
• Pepper: A classic spice that adds a mild heat and depth to the chicken's flavor.
• Additional Seasonings: Optional spices or herbs that can personalize the taste of the chicken.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: A kitchen essential that prevents ingredients from sticking to the slow cooker surface.

Directions to Create Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any stubborn sticking.

Step 2: Create First Potato Layer

Spread a delicious foundation of frozen tater tots across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for your mouthwatering casserole.

Step 3: Sprinkle Bacon Goodness

Scatter the first portion of crispy bacon pieces over the tater tots, adding a smoky and savory punch to your dish.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Delight

Generously shower the first layer with shredded cheese, ensuring every bite will be creamy and delectable.

Step 5: Season Chicken

Place diced chicken on top of the cheese layer.

Elevate the flavor by sprinkling salt, pepper, and your favorite seasonings to make the chicken sing with taste.

Step 6: Build Middle Layers

Continue building excitement by adding another round of bacon pieces and a fresh blanket of shredded cheese.

Step 7: Top with Potato Crown

Complete the layering process by crowning your casserole with the remaining frozen tater tots.

Step 8: Final Flavor Burst

Finish strong with the last sprinkle of cheddar cheese and remaining bacon pieces for maximum flavor impact.

Step 9: Pour Creamy Liquid

Drizzle milk evenly across the entire casserole, which will help create a rich and smooth texture.

Step 10: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 4-6 hours until everything is perfectly tender and bubbling with deliciousness.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Top Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Layer tater tots strategically to maintain crispness and avoid moisture buildup from chicken and milk.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch, cajun, or Italian herbs to enhance chicken's taste profile.
• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for better melting and richer flavor complexity.
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a healthier version, and use low-sodium seasonings to reduce salt intake.
• Prepare ingredients night before and store in refrigerator to streamline morning cooking process and save time.

Creative Spin-Offs for Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, use veggie bacon bits, and add mixed vegetables like bell peppers and spinach for extra nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure tater tots are gluten-free certified, swap regular bacon for nitrate-free bacon, and use lactose-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, then sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower florets, use grilled chicken breast, and reduce milk quantity for a lower-carbohydrate version of the classic casserole.

Serving Up Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Your Way

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add some fresh crunch.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve alongside buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers for an epic party spread that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Comfort Food Combo: Complement the dish with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to sneak in some extra nutrition and create a more balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Quick Weeknight Side Kick: Add a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing on top for an extra burst of creamy goodness that takes this casserole from good to absolutely amazing.

Storage Solutions for Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Leftovers

• Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and reheats well, making it perfect for busy weeknights or planned meals.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, you can add raw diced chicken directly to the slow cooker. The cooking process will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

• Can I make this recipe without bacon for a vegetarian option?

While bacon adds flavor, you can skip it or replace it with vegetarian bacon bits or additional cheese to maintain the dish’s savory taste.

Crockpot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty comfort meets convenience in this crockpot chicken tater tot casserole, delivering a delightful one-pot meal that combines crispy potatoes with tender chicken. Families will savor each creamy, cheesy bite of this satisfying dinner that brings warmth and simplicity to the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Side Protein:

• 3 ounces bacon pieces

Base Ingredients:

• 32 ounces frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup milk

Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Optional additional seasoning (such as cajun or blackened seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Grease the interior of the crock pot thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a foundational layer by evenly spreading half of the frozen tater tots across the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Distribute one-third of the bacon pieces generously over the initial tater tot layer.
4. Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese on top of the bacon, ensuring even coverage.
5. Carefully place diced chicken across the cheese layer, seasoning with salt, pepper, and preferred spices for enhanced flavor profile.
6. Add another third of bacon pieces and cheese, creating a middle flavor-packed section.
7. Complete the layering process by arranging the remaining frozen tater tots as the top stratum.
8. Garnish with the final third of cheddar cheese and remaining bacon pieces for maximum taste and visual appeal.
9. Gently pour milk over the entire casserole, allowing it to seep through the layers and maintain moisture during cooking.
10. Cover the crock pot and slow cook on low temperature for 4-6 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tater tots are crispy and golden.
11. Once cooking is complete, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Opt for low-sodium bacon to reduce salt content and make the dish heart-friendly.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of milk for a protein-packed, creamier texture that adds extra nutrition.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the casserole lean and reduce overall fat content.
• Swap regular tater tots for cauliflower tots to create a lower-carb, vegetable-rich alternative that still delivers amazing flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 90mg