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
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
