Save It A comforting twist on the classic chicken pot pie, topped with crispy tater tots instead of pastry. Budget-friendly, hearty, and perfect for family dinners.
When I first made this pot pie for my family, everyone asked for seconds. Replacing the pastry with tater tots made cleanup simple and brought extra smiles to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover chicken works well)
- Frozen mixed vegetables: 1 ½ cups (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 1 ½ cups
- Milk: ½ cup (any type)
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
- Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Frozen tater tots: 1 (28-ounce) bag
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): ½ cup, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Onion:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Make Roux:
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add Liquids:
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season & Add Veggies & Chicken:
- Add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in mixed vegetables and chicken. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Transfer to Dish:
- Transfer filling to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Tater Tots:
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the filling.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tots in the last 5 minutes of baking if desired.
- Rest & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save It This dish always reminds me of chilly evenings when we gather around the table for warm comfort food. My kids love helping arrange the tater tots before baking.
Required Tools
Large skillet, whisk, 9x13-inch baking dish, oven
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat (gluten). May contain soy or egg depending on tater tot brand or if cheese is added. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 390, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 19 g
Save It Finish your pot pie with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a green salad for a complete family meal. Enjoy leftovers the next day for easy lunches!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, and green beans can be used. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they're tender but not overcooked.
- → Is it possible to substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely. Turkey or ham are great alternatives that complement the creamy vegetable mixture well.
- → How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Baking the tater tots uncovered at 400°F until golden brown ensures a crisp texture. Adding cheese in the last few minutes enhances flavor and crunch.
- → What seasoning works best in the sauce?
A combination of garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper balances the creamy sauce, bringing depth to the filling without overpowering it.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the filling and topping separately, then combine and bake when ready. This helps save time on busy days.