Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is everything you want in a comforting meal: creamy, cheesy, and satisfyingly hearty. It’s easy to assemble, uses simple ingredients, and can be made ahead for busy weeknights. The Alfredo sauce coats the chicken and vegetables in rich, velvety goodness, while the crispy tater tot topping adds the perfect texture contrast. It’s a complete one-pan meal that both kids and adults will adore, making it ideal for cozy dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
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Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole – A Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup — creamy Alfredo chicken baked with golden tater tots and melted cheese. It’s rich, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together Alfredo sauce, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Stir in the cooked chicken until evenly coated in the sauce mixture.
- Spread the chicken Alfredo mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add cooked broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
- For extra flavor, mix a little cooked bacon into the casserole before baking.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp the tater tots.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or cubed cooked chicken breast works perfectly.
Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy, golden, and the ultimate casserole topper.
Alfredo Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought — creamy, garlicky, and rich.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey, stretchy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that signature Alfredo flavor and nutty depth.
Cream Cheese (optional): Makes the filling extra rich and velvety.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Enhance the savory flavor.
Frozen Peas or Broccoli (optional): Add color, texture, and nutrition to the casserole.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balance and seasoning.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan, and Mozzarella. If you’re adding vegetables like peas or broccoli, stir them in now. For an extra creamy texture, add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top, covering the entire surface.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle additional Mozzarella and Parmesan on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a melty, cheesy finish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy the layers of creamy, cheesy goodness beneath that crispy golden topping.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Prep time is 15 minutes, bake time is 40 minutes, and total time is about 55 minutes — easy enough for a weeknight, delicious enough for company.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or in the air fryer for extra crispiness. This casserole also freezes beautifully — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Bacon Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Add crumbled cooked bacon for a smoky, salty twist that pairs perfectly with Alfredo sauce.
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Bake
Mix in steamed broccoli florets for a classic combo of chicken, cheese, and greens.
Spicy Kick Version
Add red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce for subtle heat.
Garlic Herb Alfredo
Add extra garlic, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the sauce for an aromatic boost.
Four Cheese Deluxe
Use a mix of mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and Parmesan for a rich, cheesy blend.
Veggie Lover’s Casserole
Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for extra color and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, though fresh or rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely — it adds a richer, fresher flavor.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Can I freeze it before baking?
Yes — wrap tightly and freeze unbaked; thaw overnight before baking as directed.
5. Can I use other proteins?
Turkey, ham, or even cooked sausage all work well in place of chicken.
6. How do I make it lighter?
Use light Alfredo sauce, reduced-fat cheese, and skip the cream cheese.
7. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach are great additions.
8. Can I air fry individual portions?
Yes, reheat small servings at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes to re-crisp the tots.
9. What can I serve it with?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
10. Can I use sweet potato tots?
Yes — they add a hint of sweetness and pair beautifully with the creamy Alfredo flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crispy on top. With its layers of tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and golden tater tots, every bite is a blend of cozy flavors and textures. It’s quick to assemble, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving comfort on a cold night, this casserole is guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner table.
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