Chicken Tot Pie

Chicken Tot Pie is a comforting and fun twist on traditional chicken pot pie, featuring crispy tater tots as the topping instead of the typical pie crust. The combination of tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and creamy sauce topped with golden, crispy tater tots makes for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight meal. The beauty of Chicken Tot Pie lies in its simplicity and versatility—it’s an easy, one-pan meal that is both satisfying and delicious. The crispy, savory tater tots provide the perfect balance to the creamy filling, making every bite a comforting experience. Whether you choose to add extra vegetables, use rotisserie chicken, or tweak the seasoning, this dish is easily customizable to suit your preferences. It’s a fun, hearty meal that kids and adults alike will love.

The History of Chicken Tot Pie
While the exact origins of Chicken Tot Pie are not well documented, it is believed to be a modern variation of the traditional chicken pot pie that emerged in the 20th century. Chicken pot pie itself is a comfort food staple in American households, dating back to the 1950s when pre-packaged frozen foods became popular. The use of tater tots as a topping is a more recent innovation, likely inspired by the growing popularity of tater tots in American cuisine since their invention in the 1950s by Ore-Ida. Combining the convenience of frozen tater tots with the beloved flavors of chicken pot pie created an easy, kid-friendly version of the classic, quickly gaining popularity for its simplicity and comfort. This dish reflects the creativity of home cooks who embrace the convenience of frozen foods while still delivering a satisfying meal.

Ingredients Breakdown
To make Chicken Tot Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs are the best choices. You can cook the chicken yourself or use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
2. Frozen Tater Tots – The star of the dish! Use classic frozen tater tots for the topping, which will become golden and crispy as they bake.
3. Vegetables – Typically a combination of peas, carrots, and corn. Frozen mixed vegetables are a convenient option, but fresh or other frozen vegetables can be used as well.
4. Cream of Chicken Soup – This provides the creamy base for the filling. It’s quick and convenient, but homemade cream sauce can also be used for a fresher, richer taste.
5. Milk – Adds to the creaminess and helps thin the soup to the right consistency for the filling.
6. Cheese – Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, which enhances the flavor of the filling and adds richness.
7. Seasonings – Common seasonings for Chicken Tot Pie include garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme. You can also add a little paprika or cayenne pepper for extra flavor and heat.
8. Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the filling, enhancing the overall taste of the pie.
9. Optional Garnishes – Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and flavor once the pie is finished.

Step-by-Step Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and milk, mixing well until smooth. Add the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and thick.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
6. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.
8. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tot Pie

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor.
• If you like a crunchier topping, you can bake the tater tots separately before placing them on top of the filling. This will ensure they are extra crispy.
• For a more luxurious flavor, substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade chicken gravy or a creamy béchamel sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the tater tots on top. Leave enough space for them to cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
• If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduce the amount of cheese.
• Experiment with adding other seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to adjust the flavor to your liking.
• For a smoother texture, you can blend the filling before adding the chicken and vegetables for a creamier consistency.

Variations and Customizations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for cooked mushrooms, tofu, or a mixture of beans and lentils to create a vegetarian version.
• Extra Veggies: Add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Version: If you like a little heat, try adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese to the filling.
• Healthier Option: Use whole-wheat tater tots or cauliflower tots to reduce calories and add more fiber to the dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tater tots and make sure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make your own creamy sauce.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Chicken Tot Pie is a rich and hearty meal that provides a good balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The chicken offers lean protein, while the tater tots contribute to the carb count, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. However, it’s important to note that the dish can be high in calories, sodium, and fat, especially if using regular tater tots and cream of chicken soup. To make the dish healthier, opt for reduced-fat cheese, low-sodium soup, and baked or air-fried tater tots instead of frying them. Using whole-wheat tater tots or cauliflower tots can help reduce the calorie count while adding fiber. For a more balanced meal, serve the Chicken Tot Pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables to add more nutrients.

FAQ

1. Can I make Chicken Tot Pie ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble the pie, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
2. Can I use other types of potatoes instead of tater tots?
   Yes, you can use homemade mashed potatoes or even sliced potatoes for the topping. However, tater tots provide the signature crispy texture that makes this dish unique.
3. Can I make this dish with a different type of meat?
   Yes, ground turkey, chicken thighs, or even pork can be used as a substitute for chicken.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven or microwave until heated through.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Tot Pie?
   Yes, this dish can be frozen. Assemble the pie and bake it partially (about 20 minutes), then freeze. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes or until heated through.

Chicken Tot Pie

Chicken Tot Pie is a comforting, easy-to-make dish with a creamy chicken filling topped with crispy tater tots, perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a fun, customizable recipe that the whole family will enjoy, and it's simple enough to prepare on busy nights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 16 ounces frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 4 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 32 ounces frozen tater tots

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, mixed vegetables, thyme, salt, pepper, chicken, and cheese.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with tater tots, arranging them neatly in rows.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.