Cheesy Slow Cooker Tater Tot Chicken Bake

Get ready for an incredibly easy and undeniably delicious meal that promises to become a new family favorite: the Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole. This recipe delivers a hearty, comforting dish with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Imagine tender chicken, savory broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all topped with crispy golden tater tots, cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a culinary masterpiece that caters to both your taste buds and your schedule.

There’s something truly magical about a slow cooker casserole, and this chicken tater tot version is no exception. It combines simple, readily available ingredients to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and wonderfully satisfying. Your family will adore the irresistible combination of textures and tastes, from the melt-in-your-mouth cheese to the delightful crunch of the tater tots. And you? You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together, leaving you with more time to enjoy what truly matters.

The Ultimate Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole: A Family Favorite

This Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole is a celebration of cheesy, savory goodness. What sets it apart is the fantastic blend of flavors and textures, with the added benefit of a healthy serving of broccoli integrated right into the dish. We’re talking about a complete meal in one pot, hitting multiple food groups with delicious chicken, crispy tater tots, and vibrant vegetables all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce.

Inspired by our hugely popular Hamburger Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole, we embarked on creating a chicken-based version that offers a fresh twist while retaining all the comforting appeal of the original. The result is a lighter yet equally satisfying casserole that is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. This dish exemplifies the convenience and flavor that slow cooker meals are celebrated for, providing a wholesome and hearty option without requiring you to stand over a hot stove.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. Simply combine the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: The combination of chicken, cheese, and tater tots is universally loved by both kids and adults.
• Wholesome and Balanced: With chicken for protein and broccoli for essential nutrients, it’s a well-rounded meal.
• Fantastic Leftovers: Any remaining portions store beautifully in the refrigerator, making them perfect for lunch the next day.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and satisfying – it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly evening.

Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Tater Tot Chicken Casserole

Crafting this incredible Crock Pot Chicken Casserole with Tater Tots is simple, requiring just a handful of staple ingredients you might already have in your pantry or freezer. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this epic comfort food masterpiece:

• Cream of Chicken Soup: The cornerstone of the creamy sauce, providing a rich, savory base. Consider a low-sodium version if preferred, or check out our Cream of Chicken Soup Recipes for homemade options.
• Evaporated Milk: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and richness to the sauce without thinning it out.
• Black Pepper: A foundational seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile. Adjust to your taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or granulated garlic powder will infuse the casserole with aromatic depth.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is essential for that gooey, cheesy goodness. We recommend a sharp or medium cheddar for best flavor.
• Chicken Breast: Cooked and drained chicken breast is ideal here. Pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, can save valuable prep time.
• Frozen Broccoli Florets: Thawed and well-drained, these florets add vibrant color, texture, and a healthy dose of vitamins.
• Frozen Tater Tots: The star topping that transforms this dish into a crispy, potato-packed delight. No need to thaw them beforehand.
• Salt: To taste, balancing the flavors of all ingredients.

Recommended Equipment for Easy Preparation

To make your experience cooking this Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole as smooth as possible, here’s the essential equipment you’ll need:

• Slow Cooker (Crockpot): A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is perfect for this recipe, allowing enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly. We highly recommend using a slow cooker with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking time is complete. This feature is a game-changer for busy individuals, ensuring your casserole doesn’t overcook and stays perfectly warm until you’re ready to serve, eliminating any timing stress.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for thoroughly combining your sauce ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Kitchen Spoon or Spatula: For mixing and stirring the ingredients.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: To ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking, lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker pot before adding ingredients.

Preparation and Storage Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

This Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole is not only delightful when freshly made but also incredibly convenient for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers. Here’s how to manage preparation and storage to make the most of this delicious dish:

Make Ahead + Storage

This hearty and filling chicken and broccoli casserole is generous, easily feeding a family multiple times, especially if you’re cooking for a smaller household. Leftovers maintain their deliciousness and quality when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. This makes it an excellent choice for meal planning throughout the week.

Freezing for Future Meals

For longer storage, this casserole freezes beautifully. Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight, freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for three to four months, offering a convenient grab-and-reheat option for those days when you need a quick meal. Some cooks even opt to freeze half the pan after cooking, ensuring a homemade dinner is always within reach.

How to Reheat Leftovers Perfectly

To enjoy your frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat thawed portions using your microwave, oven, or stovetop. Defrosting completely before reheating is crucial; it ensures even heating throughout and prevents those frustrating cold spots that can occur in partially frozen food. Regardless of your chosen method, always reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Recipe Variations, Smart Substitutions, and Expert Tips

One of the best aspects of this Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations and tips to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs.

Substitution Ideas:

• Cheese: While we adore yellow cheddar for its classic flavor alongside broccoli, any shredded cheese your family enjoys will work wonderfully. Consider white cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles.
• Condensed Soup: The cream of chicken soup forms the backbone of the sauce, but you can certainly swap it out for other condensed cream soups. Cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of broccoli soup can create a unique spin on this comforting casserole.
• Chicken: To significantly cut down on prep time, use pre-cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice, adding extra flavor and moisture. You can also use canned chicken, just be sure to drain it thoroughly.
• Vegetables: We love broccoli in this dish, but it’s incredibly adaptable. Feel free to use other frozen vegetables or a mixed veggie blend (like peas and carrots) for additional nutrients and color. Ensure they are thawed and well-drained before adding to prevent excess moisture.

Dietary Adjustments:

• Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by replacing the chicken with a plant-based alternative such as cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a firm tofu scramble. Swap the cream of chicken soup for a plant-based cream soup or a vegetarian cream of mushroom soup.
• Vegan Option: In addition to the vegetarian modifications, vegans should opt for plant-based substitutes for cheddar cheese (dairy-free shredded cheese) and evaporated milk (unsweetened dairy-free milk alternative, though consistency may vary).
• Gluten-Free: This Slow Cooker Tater Tot Chicken Casserole can be made gluten-free by carefully selecting your ingredients. The most common source of gluten in this recipe is typically the cream of chicken soup, so ensure you choose a brand explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Always check all remaining ingredients for hidden gluten if you have a high sensitivity.

Quantity Adjustments:

• Smaller or Larger Servings: The recipe as written yields six generous servings. It’s simple to scale the ingredients up or down to accommodate fewer people or to feed a larger crowd.

Flavor Enhancements:

• Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a kick, mix in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or spicy wing sauce to the creamy mixture. A pinch of red pepper flakes would also add a subtle heat.
• Herbaceous Notes: Add dried herbs like a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, or a mix of dried thyme and rosemary to the sauce for an elevated flavor profile.
• Crunchy Topping: For an extra layer of texture, sprinkle some crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips over the tater tots during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tips for Success:

• Pre-cook Chicken: If using raw chicken breast, cube it and brown it lightly in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker to ensure it cooks evenly and adds flavor. Or, use already cooked chicken.
• Drain Vegetables Thoroughly: Ensure your thawed broccoli (or other frozen vegetables) are well-drained to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
• Even Tater Tot Layer: Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer on top for maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding.
• Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to lift the slow cooker lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.

What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole

This incredibly versatile Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole can truly shine at any meal, from a casual brunch to a comforting dinner. Its hearty nature pairs well with a variety of side dishes, offering flexibility for your menu planning. Here are some delicious suggestions to complement your casserole:

Side Dish Ideas:

• BLT Pasta Salad: A fresh and tangy pasta salad offers a cool contrast to the warm casserole.
• Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams: For a touch of sweetness and another layer of comforting flavor.
• Southern Style Green Beans: A classic, savory vegetable side that always pleases.
• Crockpot Bourbon Baked Beans: A rich and flavorful side that complements the hearty nature of the casserole.
• Crockpot Chicken & Stuffing: While this casserole is a main, if you want more comfort, a stuffing side works.
• Crockpot Corn Pudding: A creamy and slightly sweet side that balances the savory casserole.
• Easy Homemade Banana Bread: A delightful quick bread that can serve as a sweet accompaniment.
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and nutritious, these add a lovely texture.
• Air Fryer Mixed Vegetables: A quick and healthy way to add more veggies to your meal.
• Air Fryer Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and delicious green vegetable.

For a Brunch Spread (Other Main Dishes):

If you’re serving this casserole as part of a larger brunch or breakfast-for-dinner spread, here are some complementary main dishes:

• Bacon Pot Pie
• Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
• Crock Pot Steak Stroganoff
• Crockpot Mushroom Pasta Casserole
• Easy German Apple Pancake
• French Toast Casserole
• Apple & Raisin French Toast
• Cracker Barrel Pecan Pancakes
• Crock Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Sweet Endings (Desserts):

Complete your meal with a delightful dessert. Here are some easy and crowd-pleasing options:

• 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
• Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling
• Orange Dreamsicle Salad
• Bisquick Peach Cobbler
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Cookies
• Air Fryer Donuts
• Cinnamon & Sugar Crescents
• Raspberry Coffee Cake
• Biscuit Donuts
• 2 Ingredient Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Cups

When to Serve This Delightful Casserole

This Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole is a true chameleon, fitting perfectly into almost any mealtime or occasion:

• Breakfast: A hearty start to a special morning.
• Brunch: An excellent centerpiece for a relaxed weekend brunch.
• Lunch: Perfect for a filling midday meal, especially as leftovers.
• Dinner: The ultimate choice for a comforting and easy family dinner.
• Busy Weeknights: Set it and forget it—ideal for those hectic evenings.
• Potlucks & Gatherings: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, you can! If using raw chicken breast, cube it into 1-inch pieces. You can either brown it slightly in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker (this adds depth of flavor), or you can add it raw. If adding raw, ensure it’s fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly if using raw chicken.

Do I need to thaw the tater tots before adding them?

No, there’s no need to thaw the frozen tater tots. They can be added directly from the freezer. They will cook and crisp up on top as the casserole bakes.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole is highly adaptable to different vegetables. Besides broccoli, you could add frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), green beans, or even diced bell peppers. Just ensure any frozen vegetables are thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.

How can I prevent the tater tots from getting soggy?

For crispier tater tots, ensure they are placed in a single layer on top of the casserole. You can also elevate them slightly on parchment paper if your slow cooker allows for it without touching the lid, or for the last 30 minutes, you can remove the lid to allow some moisture to escape, promoting crispiness. If your slow cooker has a browning function, that can also help. Alternatively, you can bake the tater tots separately in the oven until crispy and then add them to the cooked casserole just before serving.

Can this recipe be made in the oven?

Yes, it can! If you prefer to bake it, combine the soup mixture, chicken, broccoli, and 2 cups of cheese in a large mixing bowl. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray. Top with frozen tater tots and the remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and the tater tots are golden and crispy. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

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For even more culinary adventures, be sure to check out our dedicated categories for copycat recipes, delectable dessert recipes, and an extensive collection of Crock Pot Recipes.

Crock Pot Tater Tot Chicken Casserole Recipe

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Recipe originally shared on September 23, 2015. Updated October 2020.