Quick & Cozy Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Chicken tater tot casserole represents the ultimate comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Hungry families adore these crowd-pleasing combinations of crispy potato nuggets and tender protein.

Layers of savory ingredients create a memorable dining experience that feels both nostalgic and satisfying.

Warmth radiates from this hearty dish, promising a filling and delightful dinner for everyone around the table.

Creamy textures and crisp tater tot edges guarantee a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Simple preparation makes this recipe a weeknight champion for busy households.

Home cooks will love how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal effort: enjoy every delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Whip Up Comfort in Minutes: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal that comes together in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and quick.
• Maximize Flavor with Minimal Effort: By using rotisserie chicken and frozen vegetables, you'll create a rich, fully-loaded dish without spending hours in the kitchen, making it a smart choice for home cooks seeking delicious shortcuts.
• Crispy Meets Creamy Texture Explosion: The golden, crunchy tater tots sit atop a creamy chicken and vegetable base, delivering an irresistible contrast of textures that'll have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: With its kid-approved ingredients and comforting flavors, this casserole works magic for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where you want a reliable, universally loved meal that disappears fast.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Rotisserie Chicken: Soft, shredded meat that provides hearty protein and easy preparation.
• Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Convenient blend adding nutrition and color to the casserole.
• Onions: Fresh diced onions that create a flavor foundation and aromatic base.

• Cream of Celery Soup: Creamy sauce that helps bind ingredients and adds rich, smooth texture.
• Water: Helps thin the soup and create proper casserole consistency.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning for balancing overall dish flavors.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground spice that adds subtle heat and depth.

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato topping that provides crunchy texture and golden brown finish.
• Salted Butter: Helps sauté onions and adds rich, smooth flavor to the base mixture.

How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). Allow it to fully heat while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle the Butter

In a large skillet, melt of salted butter over medium heat until it coats the pan smoothly.

Step 3: Transform the Onions

Add diced onions to the melted butter and cook until they turn soft and slightly transparent, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cream of celery soup
• Water
• Frozen mixed vegetables

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Season and Heat

Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes until fully heated. Sprinkle in kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Set Up the Baking Dish

Transfer the entire skillet mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 7: Top with Crispy Tater Tots

Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in tight, uniform rows across the top of the mixture. Do not press the tots down into the chicken mixture.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the tots around the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning. The casserole is ready when the tots turn golden brown and the mixture starts bubbling.

Pro Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Arrange Tots Strategically: Gently scatter frozen tater tots across the casserole's surface without pressing down, creating a perfectly crispy golden top.
• Customize Creamy Base: Experiment with different condensed soup varieties like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken to transform the dish's overall flavor profile.
• Boost Cheese Impact: Layer a generous cup of shredded cheese underneath the tater tots for an irresistible melted, crispy cheese crust that adds depth and richness.
• Elevate Vegetable Quality: Opt for fresh vegetables over frozen, lightly sautéing them first to enhance their texture and bring out more vibrant, natural flavors.
• Season Boldly: Sprinkle additional herbs or spices like dried thyme, garlic powder, or smoked paprika into the mixture to create a more complex and exciting taste experience.

How to Store Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Freezer Storage: Wrap the casserole in multiple layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to lock in flavor and prevent freezer burn. Seal in a high-quality freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to maintain texture and prevent ice crystals from forming. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Transfer the casserole to a glass storage container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and food safety. Keep at a consistent temperature below 40°F to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion Preservation: Divide the casserole into individual serving-sized containers before storing. This method allows for quick reheating, reduces waste, and provides convenient meal prep options.

Delicious Twists on Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Swap cream of celery soup with cream of jalapeño soup, add diced green chiles, and sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the tater tots for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herbed Chicken Bake: Replace mixed vegetables with artichoke hearts and spinach, use cream of mushroom soup, and top with crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano before baking.
• Ranch Bacon Chicken Casserole: Mix in crispy crumbled bacon pieces with the chicken, substitute water with ranch dressing, and garnish with chopped chives for extra flavor.
• Mushroom Swiss Chicken Comfort: Incorporate sautéed sliced mushrooms into the mixture, use cream of mushroom soup, and top with Swiss cheese for a rich, earthy version of the classic casserole.

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: A Comforting, Hearty Meal

Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tater Tot Casserole emerges as more than just a meal – it’s comfort cuisine that connects generations through nostalgic flavors.

Classic midwestern ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes.

Family gatherings become magical moments when this hearty casserole arrives at center stage.

Comfort meets creativity in this simple yet satisfying dish that promises warmth and happiness.

Home cooks will discover an effortless recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary memories.

Passionate culinary enthusiasts, lean into this delightful experience: share this mouthwatering masterpiece, comment with your personal twists, and spread the joy of home-cooked comfort.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole delivers comfort on a plate with hearty layers of shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy potato tots. Midwestern home cooking shines in this crowd-pleasing dish that warms hearts and satisfies hunger in one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 3 to 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin and bones removed)

Vegetables and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup diced onion (approximately ½ small onion)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) salted butter, room temperature
• Two 10.5-ounce (297 grams) cans of cream of celery soup
• ½ can (about 5 ounces or 148 milliliters) water
• One 12-ounce (340 grams) bag of frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn), no need to thaw

Seasoning and Topping:

• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• One 32-ounce (907 grams) bag of frozen tater tots, use straight from the freezer

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Instructions

1. Warm the cooking area by preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius), allowing it to reach the full temperature before cooking.
2. Select a large skillet and melt one tablespoon of salted butter over medium heat, creating a smooth cooking surface.
3. Gently introduce diced onions into the melted butter, stirring and cooking until they transform into a soft, translucent texture, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of celery soup, water, and frozen mixed vegetables into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Heat the entire mixture until it reaches a consistent temperature, typically 3 to 5 minutes, then enhance flavor with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to personal preference.
6. Transfer the complete mixture from the skillet into a 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-centimeter) baking dish, spreading it uniformly across the surface.
7. Strategically arrange frozen tater tots in compact, tight rows across the top of the mixture, ensuring they remain on the surface without sinking, then place in the preheated oven.
8. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring the golden browning of the tots and the bubbling of the casserole. Check the dish around 20 minutes to prevent excessive browning and ensure optimal results.

Notes

• Stretch that rotisserie chicken into a budget-friendly feast that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
• Whip up a crowd-pleasing casserole in under an hour, perfect for chaotic weeknight dinners.
• Maximize convenience by prepping this dish ahead and freezing for those nights when cooking feels impossible.
• Customize your casserole with unexpected vegetable twists or cheese variations that keep everyone excited about dinner.
• Enjoy delicious leftovers that stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days, giving you multiple meals from one simple recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1080 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 62 mg