Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Imagine a dish that begins with tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with crispy, golden tater tots. This is the essence of the Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners and combines simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.

What is Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a beloved recipe from Ree Drummond, also known as the Pioneer Woman. This casserole is a layered dish featuring seasoned chicken, vegetables, a rich and creamy sauce, and a topping of golden tater tots, all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings.

Other Popular Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Beef Stew
• Pioneer Woman Beef Burgundy
• Pioneer Woman French Onion Chicken Casserole

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect even for novice cooks.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy tater tots and cheesy, creamy filling make it a hit with children.
• Versatile: Customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
• Comfort Food: This dish brings a sense of warmth and comfort, ideal for cozy family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake it when ready, saving time on busy days.
• Leftovers: Enjoy delicious leftovers that reheat well, making it a great meal prep option.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 cups frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the chicken mixture in a single layer.
6. Drizzle the melted butter over the tater tots.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus adds a healthy touch.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can complement the savory flavors.
• Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Ensure the tater tots are in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Season Generously: Adjust seasoning to your taste, adding extra spices if desired.
• Fresh Vegetables: Opt for fresh vegetables instead of frozen for a vibrant texture.
• Cheese Lovers: Add extra cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try different herbs and spices to customize the dish.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Mexican Style: Add taco seasoning, black beans, and corn, and top with jalapenos.
• Buffalo Chicken: Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese for a spicy kick.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use a variety of sautéed mushrooms and extra vegetables.
• BBQ Chicken: Incorporate BBQ sauce and top with crispy fried onions.
• Italian Twist: Add Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
• Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and top with hash browns.

Storing Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Best Practices

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Label: Clearly label your storage containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.
• Portion Control: Divide into smaller portions for convenient reheating.
• Avoid Freezer Burn: Ensure the casserole is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Best Practices

• Oven Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: For a quick option, reheat individual portions in the microwave.
• Cover: Cover with foil while reheating in the oven to prevent drying out.
• Check Temperature: Ensure the casserole is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Stirring: Occasionally stir the mixture while reheating to ensure even warmth.
• Add Moisture: If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

FAQs

How can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time?

To make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole ahead of time, prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions but do not bake it. Instead, cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the covering and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure it is heated through.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this casserole?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen in this casserole. Simply chop and lightly steam the fresh vegetables before adding them to the casserole mixture. This ensures the vegetables are tender and fully cooked when the casserole is done.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup in the Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup in the Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. You can make a roux-based sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk if you prefer a homemade version. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

How can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole gluten-free?

To make Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure that all other ingredients, including the tater tots, are certified gluten-free. You can find gluten-free alternatives in most grocery stores or make your own gluten-free cream soup using gluten-free flour and broth.

Final Words

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. With its simple preparation and rich, satisfying flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy the process of creating this hearty casserole and the smiles it will bring to your table. Happy cooking!

Other Yummy Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Chow Chow
• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Lasagna
• Jiffy Corn Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole
• Pioneer Woman Crockpot Beef Stew

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