If you love comfort food with a fun twist, the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Imagine tender, shredded chicken and vibrant vegetables simmered in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, all topped with a crispy, golden layer of tater tots that bring irresistible texture and flavor. This dish takes the classic chicken pot pie to a whole new level of cozy satisfaction, making it perfect for family dinners or whenever you need a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is deceptively simple, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that rich, wholesome taste and satisfying texture. From creamy butter to vibrant veggies and that unbeatable tater tot topping, each element comes together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing the veggies and creating a silky base for the filling’s sauce.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that blends perfectly with the other vegetables.
- Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and pleasant texture to the filling.
- Celery: Brings freshness and a hint of crunch that brightens the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, savory depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Offers a fragrant herbaceous note that elevates the pot pie’s classic flavors.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Perfectly seasons the filling at every step.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Ensures a flavorful, balanced base for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness, turning the sauce silky and indulgent.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Convenient, tender protein that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Frozen peas: Bright pops of green and sweetness that complete the filling.
- Frozen tater tots: The star topping — crisp, golden, and totally addictive.
How to Make Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the vegetable base
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, till the veggies soften and become fragrant. This slow sauté creates a delicious flavor base that will make your filling absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Create the creamy sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes while whisking frequently; this helps cook out the raw flour taste and sets up the thickening process. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly into a luscious, creamy texture.
Step 3: Add chicken and peas
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas, giving the filling a good mix. Simmer for another 2 minutes to warm everything through and meld the flavors. Taste now and add more salt or pepper if needed, because this step ensures your pot pie filling is perfectly seasoned before it hits the oven.
Step 4: Assemble with tater tots topping
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully arrange the frozen tater tots in a circular pattern on top of the chicken and vegetable mixture. This creates a fun and crispy crust that’s the hallmark of this Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe. Make sure the tots cover the entire surface, so every bite has that golden crunch.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Pop the skillet into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tater tots are beautifully browned and the filling is bubbling excitedly underneath. For an extra crisp finish, turn on the broiler and watch carefully as the tots turn a gorgeous golden color in just 1 or 2 minutes. Once done, slice and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast between the creamy filling and the crispy topping.
How to Serve Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it classic with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a vibrant pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. A little cracked black pepper on top before serving adds a subtle kick that enhances the creamy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted green beans or sautéed garlic spinach also complement the rich pot pie, balancing out the meal with some greens and lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a bit of fun, serve portions in individual cast iron skillets or ramekins topped with mini tater tot crowns. Alternatively, try mixing in different veggies like corn or mushrooms in the filling for your own twist on the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your pot pie to cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days without losing their delicious flavors or texture.
Freezing
For meal prep convenience, assemble the pot pie but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen—just add extra bake time until the topping is golden and filling is bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore the crispiness of the tater tot topping. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid sogginess, then finish under the broiler if desired for crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure they’re well-seasoned and fully cooked before adding them to the filling to maintain the dish’s rich flavor.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or even chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a comforting, tasty pot pie.
Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit more flour can help thicken the filling if using lower-fat dairy.
What’s the best way to get the tater tots extra crispy?
Broiling at the end of baking is the secret. Keep a close eye to avoid burning, but that quick blast under the broiler crisps the tops beautifully for the perfect crunchy bite.
Can I make this in a regular baking dish instead of a skillet?
Definitely! Just transfer the filling to a baking dish before adding the tater tots on top, then bake as directed. Use a dish that’s oven-safe and sturdy enough to hold the filling and topping well.
Final Thoughts
The Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns simple ingredients into a meal everyone loves. It’s satisfying, comforting, and fun to make, perfect for those days when you want a little extra coziness on your plate. Trust me, once you try it, this pot pie will be your go-to for family dinners and special cozy nights in. So grab your skillet, preheat that oven, and dive into this flavorful, crispy, creamy sensation!
Print
Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken and a medley of vegetables in a creamy savory sauce, all topped with crispy golden tater tots. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this dish is baked until bubbly and finished under the broiler for an irresistible crunchy topping.
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 the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the pot pie evenly once the filling is ready.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh thyme. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add flour to thicken: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cook for an additional 2 minutes, whisking frequently to prevent lumps and create a roux.
- Incorporate liquids: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while whisking constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and peas: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and frozen peas. Let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- Arrange tater tots: Remove the skillet from the heat. Evenly arrange the frozen tater tots in a single circular layer over the chicken and vegetable filling, covering it completely.
- Bake the pot pie: Place the skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tater tots are cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Broil for crispiness: Switch your oven to broil. Broil the tater tots for 1 to 2 minutes, watching very carefully to avoid burning, until the tots are crisp and have a beautiful golden color.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into portions, and serve the Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie immediately while hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavorful convenience.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Make sure to watch closely during broiling to prevent the tater tots from burning.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by assembling the filling and topping separately, then assembling and baking right before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven.
