Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This incredible Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a comforting classic that brings smiles to every face at the dinner table. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, crisp golden tater tots, savory bacon, and a generous blanket of melted cheddar cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in one convenient dish. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that truly makes for a complete and utterly satisfying meal.
Whether you’re feeding a bustling family, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving hearty comfort food with minimal fuss, this slow cooker sensation is your answer. It’s designed for ease, allowing you to layer a few simple ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time. The magic of the slow cooker transforms basic components into a rich, flavorful casserole where all the ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort but only required minutes of prep. Get ready to discover why this cheesy, bacon-infused chicken tater tot casserole quickly becomes a beloved staple in homes everywhere!
Effortless Comfort: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
There’s something undeniably magical about a slow cooker meal. It promises deliciousness with minimal hands-on time, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special. This Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole perfectly embodies that magic. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy evenings, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. Picture this: succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned, nestled under a cozy layer of crispy tater tots, all bound together with a rich, creamy, and gloriously cheesy sauce, punctuated by irresistible bits of bacon. It’s savory, it’s comforting, and it covers all your bases – protein, carbs, and dairy – in one simple pot. In my home, this isn’t just a kid favorite; it’s a unanimous family favorite that disappears quickly every time it’s made!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) about Slow Cooker Tater Tot Casserole
While it’s tempting to maximize your slow cooker’s capacity, I generally don’t recommend doubling this recipe in a single slow cooker. The ingredients need adequate space to cook evenly, and overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, especially for the chicken, and soggy tater tots. If you need to prepare more, the best approach is to simply use a second slow cooker to cook two batches simultaneously. This ensures consistent results and deliciousness for everyone!
You absolutely have flexibility with your chicken! While the recipe as written assumes raw chicken, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken is an excellent shortcut. If you opt for pre-cooked chicken, simply dice it and incorporate it into the layers as instructed. This smart substitution can significantly cut down the slow cooker cooking time by a couple of hours, making it an even quicker meal solution for those extra-busy days. Remember to still ensure the casserole is heated through and bubbling before serving.
Seasoning the chicken well is key to a flavorful casserole! Beyond salt and pepper, which are essential, feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends to add depth and personality to your dish. Cajun seasoning or blackened chicken seasoning are fantastic choices that impart a wonderfully zesty and slightly spicy kick. Other great options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, a poultry seasoning blend, or even a dash of dried herbs like thyme or oregano. Don’t be shy; tailor the seasoning to your family’s preferences!
Absolutely! While it shines in the slow cooker, this casserole can also be baked in the oven. To adapt the recipe for oven baking, begin by spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish generously with nonstick spray. Layer the ingredients into the baking dish in the same order as for the slow cooker, but **do not add the milk at this stage**. Instead, once all layers are assembled, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and a half, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tater tots are heated and starting to crisp. You can remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes for extra crispy tater tots.
This Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is quite rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with fresh, lighter sides to balance the meal. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always an excellent choice, adding freshness and a delightful crunch. Other great options include roasted vegetables like these Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes, vibrant Air Fryer Roasted Cauliflower, steamed green beans, or even a simple side of broccoli. The key is to choose something that complements the casserole without making the meal feel too heavy.
While meal prepping can be a lifesaver, I generally advise against assembling this particular casserole directly in the slow cooker insert and refrigerating it for later cooking. Placing a very cold ceramic or stoneware slow cooker insert directly into a hot slow cooker can cause thermal shock, potentially leading to cracking or breakage of the insert. For best and safest results, assemble the ingredients immediately before cooking. If you want to prep ahead, you can chop your chicken, shred your cheese, and measure out other ingredients, storing them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to layer and cook.
Leftovers of this delicious casserole are fantastic! Once cooled, transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, this casserole freezes remarkably well. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results, consider reheating in an oven to help the tater tots regain some crispness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Creating this incredibly satisfying Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole requires a few simple, readily available ingredients that come together to form a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish a true family favorite.
- Frozen Tater Tots: The star of the show! These crispy potato bites provide a delightful texture contrast and a hearty base for the casserole. Using them frozen is key to achieving that perfect tenderness inside and slight crispness on top (especially if you finish under a broiler).
- Bacon Pieces: Nothing elevates a dish quite like bacon. Whether you use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience or cook and crumble your own for maximum flavor, the smoky, salty crunch of bacon pieces is simply irresistible and adds a layer of rich flavor to every bite.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken breasts are diced to ensure they cook through evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors of the casserole. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential cheese for comfort food! Sharp or mild, cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey texture that binds the casserole together and adds a robust, savory flavor. Feel free to use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Milk: A crucial liquid component that helps create a moist, saucy base and ensures the chicken cooks tenderly. Whole milk offers the richest flavor, but 2% or even 1% milk can also be used effectively. It prevents the casserole from drying out during the slow cooking process.
- Salt and Pepper: The foundational seasonings. These are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients. Always season to taste, adding more if desired.
- Optional Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to personalize your casserole! A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a specialty blend like Cajun or blackened seasoning can add an extra layer of complexity and zest to your dish, transforming it to suit your palate.
With these straightforward ingredients, you’re well on your way to crafting a memorable meal that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious.
Crafting Your Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making this slow cooker chicken tater tot casserole is wonderfully simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these easy steps to create a hearty and comforting meal that your whole family will adore.
Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by generously spraying the inside of your slow cooker with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your delicious casserole slides out easily when it’s time to serve.
First Layer of Tater Tots: Carefully arrange half of your frozen tater tots in a single, even layer across the bottom of the slow cooker. These will form the delicious, crispy base of your casserole.
First Bacon Sprinkle: Evenly sprinkle about one-third of the bacon pieces over the layer of tater tots. This distributes the smoky flavor throughout the dish.
First Cheese Layer: Follow with one-third of the shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkling it evenly over the bacon and tater tots. This layer will melt into a gooey foundation.
Add Chicken and Season: Next, spread the diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly over the cheese layer. Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. This is also the perfect moment to add any other favorite seasonings you prefer, such as a robust Cajun blend or a zesty blackened seasoning, to infuse the chicken with extra flavor as it cooks.
Second Bacon and Cheese Layers: Sprinkle another one-third of the bacon pieces and one-third of the shredded cheese over the chicken. These layers will contribute to the rich, savory profile throughout the casserole.
Top with Remaining Tater Tots: Place the remaining half of the frozen tater tots on top of the cheese and bacon. Ensure they are spread in an even layer across the surface.
Final Bacon and Cheese: Finish the layering with the remaining one-third of the cheddar cheese and the final one-third of the bacon pieces. This top layer will melt beautifully and crisp slightly, adding an irresistible finish.
Add the Milk: Gently pour 3/4 cup of milk evenly over all the layered ingredients. The milk will seep down, creating a moist, creamy environment for the chicken to cook in and preventing the casserole from drying out.
Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 4 to 6 hours. Cooking times can vary significantly based on your slow cooker model. Newer slow cookers tend to run hotter, so start checking for doneness around the 4-hour mark. Older models might require closer to 6 hours. The key is to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the tater tots are tender. The cheese should be bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the lid. You’ll be greeted by an aromatic, bubbly, and incredibly cheesy masterpiece. Ladle generous portions onto plates and serve immediately. Look at all that cheesy goodness on top!
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp green salad or a side of your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables for a balanced and wholesome dinner experience.
Craving More Tater Tot and Comfort Food Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and deliciousness of this Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, you’re in for a treat! The versatility of tater tots and the comforting nature of casseroles make for endless possibilities. Here are some more fantastic recipes to add to your repertoire, promising more easy, family-friendly meals that hit all the right notes:
- Classic Tater Tot Casserole: The original, simple yet satisfying.
- Tater Tot Enchilada Bake: A Tex-Mex twist with all your favorite flavors.
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole: Perfect for brunches or a hearty start to your day.
- Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie: A comforting classic topped with crispy tots.
- Tachos (Tater Tot Nachos): An inventive and fun appetizer or meal for game day.
- Loaded Tater Tot Cups: Bite-sized delights packed with flavor.
- Shepherd’s Pie Tater Tot Casserole: A hearty, savory dish with a potato twist.
- Poppy Seed Chicken: A creamy, rich chicken casserole that’s always a hit.
- Jalapeño Popper Tater Tot Chicken Casserole: For those who love a little heat and spice!
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole: A classic, layered Tex-Mex casserole.
- 30 Comforting Casseroles: An extensive list to inspire your next cozy meal.
These recipes are perfect for expanding your repertoire of easy, crowd-pleasing meals. Enjoy discovering new ways to delight your taste buds and simplify your kitchen routine!
Originally published: July 2012
Updated photos & republished: February 2020
Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This Crock Pot Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a family favorite. Tater tots, cheese, chicken and bacon. A whole meal in one!
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10 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 10 minutes
6
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 32 ounce bag frozen tater tots
- 3 ounce bag bacon pieces
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup milk
- salt and pepper, to taste
- any other seasoning you prefer (like cajun or blackened seasoning)
Instructions
Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with 1/3 of the bacon pieces.
Now top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
Add diced chicken on top and season the chicken with salt and pepper and any of your other favorite seasoning.
Now add 1/3 of the bacon pieces and another 1/3 of shredded cheese.
Put the rest of the frozen tater tots on top.
Finish with the remaining 1/3 cheddar cheese and remaining 1/3 of bacon pieces.
Pour 3/4 cup milk all over the top.
Cover and cook on low about 4-6 hours. Then serve.
Video
Notes
- To make in the oven: spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Then layer ingredients into baking dish. Don’t add the milk. Cover and bake at 350F degrees for about an hour to an hour and a half.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Leftovers can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Main Course
American
Nutrition (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories:
- 575 kcal
- Carbohydrates:
- 40 g
- Protein:
- 35 g
- Fat:
- 31 g
- Sodium:
- 1407 mg
- Fiber:
- 3 g
- Sugar:
- 2 g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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