BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, crispy, and flavor-packed dish that combines tender BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and golden tater tots. This easy, family-friendly meal is perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With smoky BBQ sauce and a crispy tater tot topping, it’s a comfort food classic with a fun twist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick – Minimal prep and only a few simple ingredients.
- Cheesy & Crispy – A perfect combination of creamy and crunchy textures.
- Great for Families – A meal kids and adults will love.
- Customizable – Add extra toppings or switch up the flavors.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Reheats well for a tasty next-day meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- Sour cream (for creaminess)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Frozen tater tots
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Bacon bits (optional, for extra flavor)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Chicken & Sauce – In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and sour cream.
- Assemble the Casserole – Spread the BBQ chicken mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheese on top.
- Add Tater Tots – Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
- Bake – Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add Cheese & Finish Baking – Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish & Serve – Top with green onions and bacon bits, then enjoy hot!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Ranch Twist: Mix in a packet of ranch seasoning with the chicken.
- Buffalo Style: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Add corn, bell peppers, or black beans.
- Extra Smoky: Use smoked gouda instead of mozzarella.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but cook and shred it before mixing with BBQ sauce.
What BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauces all work—choose your favorite!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How do I keep the tater tots crispy?
Bake uncovered and use a higher oven temperature for extra crispiness.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms make great additions.
What’s a good cheese alternative?
Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheddar.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Do I have to use sour cream?
No, but it adds creaminess. Greek yogurt or cream cheese can work as substitutes.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add a cheese layer under the tater tots and an extra sprinkle on top.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Shredded turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a gathering, this flavorful casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, BBQ goodness!
Print
BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Description
This BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a cheesy, crispy, and flavor-packed dish made with shredded BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, potluck dish, or game day comfort food that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened, optional for extra richness)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 (28 oz) bag frozen tater tots
For Topping:
- 4 slices bacon (cooked & crumbled, optional)
- 1/4 cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Extra BBQ sauce (for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the BBQ Chicken Mixture
- In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the tots.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with bacon crumbles and green onions.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, if desired.
Step 5: Enjoy!
- Serve hot and pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Notes
- Spicy Twist: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda for more flavor.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.