If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. It takes the classic, homey flavors of a chicken pot pie and gives them a fun, crispy twist with a golden layer of tater tots on top. Perfect for family dinners or when you want something hearty and satisfying, this recipe marries tender shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce under a blanket of perfectly browned tots. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a favorite go-to comfort meal that’s as playful as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, combining simple basics into a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. From the aromatic vegetables and tender chicken to the creamy filling and crispy topping, each component contributes something special, making this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe a true crowd-pleaser.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and the perfect base for sautéing your vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory depth when finely chopped and cooked down.
- Carrots: Offer natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color throughout the filling.
- Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and earthiness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Delivers a fragrant warmth to bring all the flavors together beautifully.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Give an herbaceous note that elevates the dish’s complexity.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Builds the savory base of your pot pie’s filling.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the filling rich and indulgent.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: The easy shortcut that saves time and adds juicy, flavorful protein.
- Frozen peas: Bring a touch of sweetness and a burst of green that brightens the dish.
- Frozen tater tots: The fun, crispy topping that makes this pot pie stand out.
How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base
Begin by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme. Season well with salt and pepper, then cook gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and their flavors mingle beautifully. This forms the flavorful foundation for the filling that will make your pot pie irresistible.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened veggies, then cook for another two minutes while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This step is crucial because it creates the roux that will thicken your sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for five minutes until it thickens just right — rich and velvety without being too heavy.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Peas
Stir the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas into your creamy veggie mixture. Let it simmer gently for an additional two minutes to heat through all the ingredients. Take a moment now to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper — this is where your filling really comes alive with savory depth.
Step 4: Arrange Tater Tots and Bake
Remove the skillet from heat. Neatly arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern on top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface. Pop the skillet into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are golden and cooked through. For that extra crunch and perfect finish, switch your oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully so the tots become beautifully crisp without burning.
Step 5: Serve
Once baked to perfection, slice the pot pie into portions right from the skillet and serve immediately while piping hot and tender inside, with a crispy tater tot topping that’s utterly addictive.
How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a fresh, savory kick that makes each bite even more delicious. You can also add a few crunchy fried onions on top for a textural contrast that makes this dish truly memorable.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts bring some extra veggies to the table and round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, try making this recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins for personalized pot pies with their own golden tot crowns. It’s a charming way to serve guests or add a bit of flair to family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pot pie cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep the tater tot topping as crispy as possible.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is your best friend. Bake uncovered at 350°F until warmed through, which usually takes about 20 minutes. This helps preserve the crispy topping much better than the microwave, which can make the tater tots soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs beforehand. Using rotisserie chicken is just a time-saving tip, but fresh-cooked chicken works perfectly and adds a homemade touch to the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a little more flour or cornstarch can help thicken a lighter sauce if needed.
Is it possible to use fresh tater tots or another topping?
Frozen tater tots are key for the crispness and ease, but you can experiment with homemade potato tots or even puff pastry as alternate toppings. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for different toppings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. You may also find gluten-free tater tots at specialty grocery stores to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and comforting by design, but you can absolutely add a pinch of cayenne pepper, some crushed red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños to the filling if you like a little kick with your pot pie.
Final Thoughts
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is one of those magical dishes that brings comfort and smiles to the table every time. With its creamy filling, tender chicken, and irresistibly crispy topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns an everyday dinner into a special occasion. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a new family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic pot pie, featuring a savory chicken and vegetable filling topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy sauce, fresh veggies, and a crunchy tater tot crust baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small or 1/2 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 large stalk celery, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Topping:
- 1 (32-oz) bag frozen tater tots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pot pie.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the sautéed vegetables and cook for an additional 2 minutes, whisking frequently to combine and cook off the raw flour taste.
- Make Sauce: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the filling simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Chicken and Peas: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas, then simmer for another 2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prepare for Baking: Remove the skillet from the heat. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern over the chicken mixture, covering the surface evenly.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
- Broil for Crispiness: Turn on the oven broiler and broil the pot pie for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely until the tater tots become extra crisp and golden without burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve the tater tot chicken pot pie immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas or mixed vegetables if preferred.
- Using a cast-iron skillet is ideal for even baking, but a any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, reduce the chicken broth by 1/4 cup or simmer longer before adding the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
