🧾 Ingredients
🍗 Protein Base
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• (You can use leftover roast chicken or grilled chicken)
🥔 Potato Layer
• 3 cups frozen tater tots OR diced parboiled potatoes
🧀 Cheese & Sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (300ml) cream of chicken soup (or homemade white sauce)
• ½ cup heavy cream or milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
🧄 Flavor Boost
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ onion (finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley or thyme
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👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a medium baking dish (glass or ceramic works best).
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🧅 Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In a pan:
• Melt butter
• Add chopped onion and garlic
• Cook until soft and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes)
This creates a deep flavor base for the casserole.
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🍲 Step 3: Prepare Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
• Cooked chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk or cream
• Half of the cheese
• Cooked onion and garlic
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
Mix everything until creamy and well combined.
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🥘 Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
1. Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish
2. Arrange the tater tots or diced potatoes on top
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over everything
This layering gives you that crispy top and creamy bottom.
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🔥 Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until:
• The top is golden and crispy
• The cheese is melted and bubbling
• The edges are slightly browned
For extra crispiness, broil for the last 3–5 minutes.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot directly from the dish. It pairs perfectly with:
• Fresh green salad 🥗
• Garlic bread 🥖
• Steamed vegetables
The contrast between creamy filling and crispy topping is what makes this dish irresistible.
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💡 Pro Tips
🧀 Use a Cheese Mix
Combining cheddar (flavor) and mozzarella (stretch) gives the best result.
🥔 Crispier Top
Don’t overcrowd the potatoes—leave small gaps so they crisp up.
🍗 Rotisserie Chicken Hack
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
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🔄 Variations
🥓 Bacon Version
Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
🌶️ Spicy Twist
Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
🥦 Veggie Option
Add broccoli, mushrooms, or corn for a balanced meal.
🧀 Extra Creamy
Add cream cheese for a richer texture.
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🧊 Storage & Reheating
• Fridge: up to 4 days
• Freezer: up to 2 months
Reheat in oven at 170°C or microwave until hot.
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❤️ Final Thoughts
This cheesy chicken tater tot casserole is the definition of comfort food: simple ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavor. The crispy golden top combined with the creamy, savory filling makes it a dish everyone will love.