Broccoli, Chicken & Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines a medley of savory ingredients—tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheddar cheese, and crispy tater tots. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and simple to prepare, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner or a family gathering. The cheesy chicken and broccoli filling is rich and flavorful, while the crispy tater tot topping adds a delightful crunch. It’s a complete meal in one dish, with protein, vegetables, and carbs all baked to golden perfection.

Here’s how you can create this cozy, delicious casserole at home.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

• If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can poach or bake it until it’s cooked through, then shred it using two forks. Set aside.
• Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Fold in the shredded chicken, broccoli, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the chicken, broccoli, and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Make sure the tater tots are evenly spread so they cover the entire casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
• If you like extra crispy tater tots, you can switch to the broil setting during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set a little, making it easier to scoop out individual portions.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

COOKING Note:

• Frozen vs. Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a slight crunch to the casserole, while frozen broccoli will result in a softer texture. Be sure to drain frozen broccoli thoroughly to avoid excess water in your casserole.
• Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roast chicken, or even canned chicken to save time. Any pre-cooked chicken will work well for this recipe.
• Soup Alternatives: If you prefer a homemade option, you can make your own cream of chicken soup by blending a simple roux with chicken broth and milk. This can be a good option if you want to control the salt content.

Serving Suggestions:

• Salad: Serve the casserole with a light green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll complements the casserole perfectly and helps soak up any leftover sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans pair well with this dish and add extra nutrition.

Tips:

1. Make It Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
2. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or spinach, depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
3. Add a Protein Twist: You can substitute the chicken with ground turkey, sausage, or ham for a different flavor profile.
4. Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, you can use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a more complex flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream soup and ensure that your tater tots and seasonings are gluten-free as well.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 45 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour, 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g

Conclusion:

Broccoli, Chicken & Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that brings together classic flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy filling with tender chicken and broccoli creates a delicious base, while the crispy tater tots on top add the perfect crunch to every bite. It’s an all-in-one meal that will quickly become a family favorite. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crispy in every bite!

Broccoli, Chicken & Cheddar Tater Tot Casserole

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 large chicken breasts)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli

• If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can poach or bake it until it’s cooked through, then shred it using two forks. Set aside.
• Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Step 3: Make the Cheesy Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• Fold in the shredded chicken, broccoli, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the chicken, broccoli, and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
• Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the cheese. Make sure the tater tots are evenly spread so they cover the entire casserole.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
• If you like extra crispy tater tots, you can switch to the broil setting during the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve

• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set a little, making it easier to scoop out individual portions.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 540
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g