Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Super Tasty Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

This mouthwatering chicken tater tot casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Crispy potato nuggets mingle with succulent chicken in a dance of flavor that promises pure satisfaction.

Creamy sauces and golden-brown tater tots create a symphony of textures that’ll make taste buds sing.

Families gather eagerly around this irresistible dish, knowing every forkful delivers pure happiness.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

Minimal ingredients transform into a feast that speaks straight to the soul.

Are you ready to fall in love with the ultimate crowd-pleasing meal?

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

For Protein:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Choose a freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and tender meat texture.
For Base and Liquid:
  • Cream of Celery Soup, Water: Select a low-sodium cream of celery soup for better control of saltiness.
For Vegetables:
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Pick a high-quality blend with carrots, peas, and corn for vibrant color and nutrition.
For Aromatics:
  • Onions: Select firm, bright white or yellow onions without soft spots or sprouting.
For Cooking Fat:
  • Salted Butter: Use fresh, high-quality butter for rich, smooth coating in the skillet.
For Topping:
  • Frozen Tater Tots: Choose crispy, golden-edged tots for the perfect crunchy layer.
For Seasoning:
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and coarse kosher salt for maximum flavor depth.

Kitchen Essentials for Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

  • Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and mixing ingredients, creating the flavorful base.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly without scratching the skillet.
  • 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish: Provides the right size for spreading the chicken mixture evenly.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure water and soup for consistent results.
  • Oven: Crucial for baking the casserole and achieving those crispy golden tater tots.
  • Cutting Board: Useful for dicing onions neatly before cooking.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for precise onion chopping.

How to Bring It All Together Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

How to Bring It All Together Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 450°F, letting it warm up completely while you prep the tasty dish.

  • Butter Magic

Melt butter in a large skillet, creating a silky smooth base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Onion Transformation

Toss in diced onions and let them soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet, savory essence.

  • Build the Flavor Party

Dive into the skillet with shredded rotisserie chicken, cream of celery soup, a splash of water, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir everything together until it’s a mouthwatering medley.

  • Season and Simmer

Let the mixture bubble and heat through, sprinkling in a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to amp up the flavor profile.

  • Dish It Out

Pour the sizzling mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly like a delicious canvas.

  • Tater Tot Topping

Arrange frozen tater tots in neat rows across the top, creating a crispy golden crown for your casserole.

  • Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and bake for 30 minutes. Watch those tots turn into a gorgeous golden-brown masterpiece, with the filling bubbling with excitement beneath.

Smart Twists & Helpful Notes Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover turkey, canned tuna, or diced ham for a quick protein swap. Each option brings a unique flavor profile to the casserole.

Add a dash of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs like thyme to introduce extra warmth and depth to the dish. Experiment with different seasoning combinations to suit your taste.

Replace cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom or cream of chicken for a richer, more indulgent texture. Greek yogurt or sour cream can also add a tangy twist.

Toss in fresh or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or diced zucchini to increase the nutritional value. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make an excellent garnish for added freshness.

How to Serve It Right Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's rich, hearty flavors and add a refreshing crunch.
  • Serve with Cool Sides: Add creamy coleslaw or tangy cucumber salad to complement the warm, comforting casserole and provide textural contrast.
  • Add Zesty Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to brighten the dish and introduce a pop of color and fresh herb taste.
  • Enjoy with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, buttered garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.

Make-Ahead and Leftover Tips Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

  • Preserve Weekend Comfort: Store this hearty casserole in airtight containers for maximum freshness and easy reheating.
  • Refrigerate Smart: Cool the dish completely before storing in sealed containers, which will keep it delicious for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore the entire casserole's crispy top by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes in the oven.
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Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Hearty pioneer woman chicken tater tot casserole combines comfort and convenience for busy families. Creamy layers of chicken, vegetables, and crispy potato tots create a satisfying meal that delivers classic midwestern warmth you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin and bones removed)
  • 2 (10.5 oz / 297 g) cans cream of celery soup
  • 1 (12 oz / 340 g) bag frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, corn)
  • 1 (32 oz / 907 g) bag frozen tater tots
  • ½ cup diced onion (approximately ½ small onion)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) salted butter, room temperature
  • ½ can (about 5 oz / 148 ml) water
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a scorching 450°F (232°C), preparing the culinary stage for a delectable transformation.
  2. Flavor Foundation: In a spacious skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then introduce diced onions, coaxing them to a translucent and tender state within 3-5 minutes.
  3. Mixture Mastery: Blend rotisserie chicken, cream of celery soup, water, and frozen mixed vegetables into the skillet, creating a harmonious medley. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, stirring until the mixture radiates warmth and unified flavors.
  4. Architectural Assembly: Pour the savory concoction into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Crown the creation with a precise layer of frozen tater tots, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  5. Culinary Crescendo: Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown tot topping and bubbling edges, rotating at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning and guarantee a perfectly executed casserole.

Notes

  • Optimize Skillet Technique: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better flavor development.
  • Chicken Selection Tip: Rotisserie chicken provides maximum flavor and saves significant preparation time compared to cooking chicken from scratch.
  • Prevent Soggy Tots: Arrange tater tots in a single, tight layer without overlapping to ensure crispy, golden-brown texture during baking.
  • Temperature Watch: Monitor casserole closely during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown top.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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