If you’re craving a comforting, homey dish that perfectly combines crispy, golden tater tots with a creamy, savory chicken filling, you are going to love this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite, while adding a delightful crunch that makes it impossible to stop eating. Whether you’re feeding a family or serving guests, this pie transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish that’s both satisfying and fun.

Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients that work together beautifully to create amazing flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender vegetables and rich chicken filling to the crispy tater tot topping that steals the show.

Unsalted butter: A rich base for sautéing vegetables, adding depth and richness without overpowering other flavors.
Yellow onion: Finely chopped, it provides a subtle sweetness and fragrant aroma that forms the flavor foundation.
Carrots: Add a gentle earthiness and a splash of color, finely chopped to soften nicely in the filling.
Celery: Provides a classic pot pie crunch and freshness, finely chopped to blend perfectly with the carrots.
Garlic: Three cloves finely minced for a punch of savory, aromatic goodness.
Fresh thyme leaves: Just the right herbaceous touch that brightens the overall flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to season the filling for balanced taste.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the filling and give it that luscious texture we all crave in a pot pie.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the savory base while keeping the flavors clean and vibrant.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess and richness that rounds out the filling beautifully.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Tender, ready-cooked chicken that saves prep time and adds a savory protein punch.
Frozen peas: A pop of sweet juiciness and lovely green color throughout the filling.
Frozen tater tots: The star topping, bringing irresistible crispiness and golden goodness to the dish.

How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the vegetable base

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling gently. Add your finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook these vegetables for about 10 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness is released, forming a delicious foundation for the pie’s filling.

Step 2: Build the rich filling

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and cook it in for another 2 minutes, whisking often to prevent lumps. This step is key to creating that thick, luscious filling everyone loves. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuously whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens just right.

Step 3: Add the chicken and peas

Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas, allowing them to warm and blend with the creamy vegetable filling. Let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes, then taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and fresh black pepper. Your filling should be perfectly seasoned and bursting with comforting flavors.

Step 4: Arrange the tater tot topping

Remove the skillet from the heat and artfully arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern on top of the filling. This even layering ensures every bite has that iconic golden, crispy tater tot crust.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Place your skillet in the preheated oven and bake the whole dish for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling bubbles around the edges and the tater tots are beautifully golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully so the tots don’t burn but become irresistibly crisp and golden.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Let the pot pie cool slightly before slicing. Serve it warm, reveling in the amazing contrast of the crunchy topping with the creamy, hearty chicken filling underneath. This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe truly offers the best of comforting flavors and textures.

How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the finished pie adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness beautifully. You could also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra savory touch that complements the crispy tater tots perfectly.

Side Dishes

This hearty pot pie pairs wonderfully with a bright and simple side salad tossed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans also make fantastic companions, adding a bit of crunch and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins, each topped with tater tots. This presentation feels special and makes a cozy gathering feel even more inviting. You can also swap in sweet potato tots for a subtly sweeter topping or sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the tots before baking for an indulgent layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keep the leftovers well covered to maintain moisture, and you’ll find that reheating brings back most of the original deliciousness.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Once fully cooled, cover the entire skillet with a tight layer of foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the flavors and textures.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pot pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the tater tot crust revives its crispness, about 20 to 25 minutes. If reheating individual portions, cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out, removing foil at the last few minutes to crisp the topping again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can cook your own chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and use them in the recipe. Rotisserie chicken just speeds up the process and adds extra flavor, but fresh chicken works wonderfully as well.

Can I substitute the tater tots with something else?

Yes, you can swap tater tots for diced potatoes, puff pastry sheets, or even mashed potatoes, though the trademark crunch of tater tots is what makes this recipe so special and unique.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a thickener or cornstarch, but be sure to check your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I add other vegetables into the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in mushrooms, corn, or green beans to customize the filling to your liking. Just be mindful of moisture content to keep the filling from becoming too watery.

How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?

The Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the filling for a subtle kick if you love spicy flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that becomes a family favorite the moment you try it. It blends crispy, creamy, and savory elements in such a delicious way that every bite feels like a warm hug. If you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to a cozy, satisfying meal, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Go ahead, give it a try, and you might find that it quickly becomes your go-to comfort food!

Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

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4 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie is a comforting and hearty casserole featuring a creamy chicken and vegetable filling topped with crispy golden tater tots. Combining tender rotisserie chicken with a savory mix of onions, carrots, celery, and peas, all smothered in a rich cream sauce, this dish is baked to perfection for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Create the roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another 2 minutes, whisking frequently to avoid lumps. This will help thicken the filling.
Add liquids: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Incorporate cream and simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and simmer the sauce for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, becoming creamy and smooth.
Add chicken and peas: Mix in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas. Let the mixture simmer for 2 more minutes to meld flavors and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Arrange tater tots: Remove the skillet from heat and arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern on top of the chicken mixture, ensuring even coverage.
Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and cooked through.
Broil for crispiness: Turn on the oven broiler and broil the pie for 1-2 minutes while watching carefully. This step crisps the tater tots further and gives a lovely golden finish.
Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve immediately while hot and comforting.

Notes

The recipe uses cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can use leftover cooked chicken or cook your own.
If fresh thyme is not available, dried thyme can be substituted (use about 1 tsp).
Be sure to watch the pie carefully during broiling to prevent the tater tots from burning.
This dish can be prepared ahead up to the baking step, then refrigerated and baked fresh when ready to serve.
For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with whole milk or a milk alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American