If there’s one thing I love more than a good comfort food recipe, it’s when two comfort food classics collide—and that’s exactly what happens in this Easy Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, crispy, and honestly, just plain irresistible. If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen wondering what to do with leftover chicken, a half-eaten bag of tater tots, and a craving for something satisfying, this recipe is for you.

I first made this on a random weeknight when my fridge was full of “almost something” ingredients. You know the kind—leftover chicken, a jar of Alfredo sauce begging to be used, and a freezer drawer full of half-used veggie bags and tater tots. With a little bit of hope and a sprinkle of cheese, magic happened in that casserole dish.

This dish is the perfect go-to for those evenings when you just want to toss everything together and let the oven do the work. It’s also crowd-pleasing enough to bring to potlucks or serve when family comes over. And let me tell you—kids love this one. The crispy tots on top are always the first thing they go for!

So grab that casserole dish, and let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

• 1 package (16 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed

• 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 bag (28 to 32 oz) frozen tater tots

• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

This list is super flexible. Feel free to swap out veggies based on what you have in the freezer, and if you’ve got cooked bacon or some red pepper flakes lying around—throw those in too. Little extras can go a long way with this one.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You want to make sure that your casserole doesn’t stick—especially since that creamy Alfredo sauce will bubble up nicely around the edges.

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Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the following:

• Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• Thawed mixed vegetables

• Alfredo sauce

• Mozzarella cheese

• Parmesan cheese

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

Give everything a good stir until it’s evenly coated. The mixture should look creamy and well-combined. This is the heart of the casserole—savory, creamy, and packed with flavor. Don’t be afraid to give it a little taste here to make sure the seasoning is just right (cook’s treat, right?).

Step 3: Layer It Up

Once everything is mixed, spread the filling evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top—this will help the tater tots sit evenly across the surface. Speaking of tots…

Step 4: Add the Tater Tots

This is where things get fun. Arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer right over the top of the creamy chicken mixture. You can line them up neatly in rows or go rogue and toss them on freely—totally up to you. Just make sure they cover the surface so you get that golden, crispy topping in every bite.

Alright, now that your casserole is all layered and looking good with those golden tots on top, it’s time to get this dish into the oven and let it work its magic. This is my favorite part—when everything starts bubbling up and the smell of creamy, cheesy comfort food fills the kitchen.

If you’ve ever needed a no-fuss recipe that’s both hearty and kid-approved, this is it. And best of all? You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your fridge or pantry. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or tossing in whatever frozen veggies you’ve got on hand, this dish is incredibly forgiving and easy to customize.

Now let’s finish up this delicious casserole!

Step 5: Bake It to Golden Perfection

Place the casserole in your preheated 375°F oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes.

You’ll want to keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes. The goal is for the tater tots to turn golden brown and crispy, and for the edges of the casserole to be bubbling. That’s when you know it’s ready. The top should have that perfect contrast—crispy on top, creamy underneath.

Pro tip: If your tots need a little extra crisping, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—but watch it closely so they don’t burn!

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before digging in.

This resting time is important. It allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Plus, no one wants to burn their mouth on molten Alfredo sauce (ask me how I know).

Step 7: Garnish (Optional, But Worth It)

Sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a little pop of color and freshness. Totally optional, but it gives the dish a nice finish—especially if you’re serving it to guests or bringing it to a potluck.

TIPS, TRICKS & VARIATIONS

This casserole is super adaptable, and once you’ve made it once, you’ll start thinking of all kinds of ways to tweak it to your taste. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred it up and toss it right in.

• Add Cooked Bacon: Stir in a handful of chopped cooked bacon for a smoky, salty twist. It pairs beautifully with Alfredo sauce.

• Spice It Up: Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking.

• Make It Meatless: Skip the chicken and double up on veggies or add in some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Swap the Sauce: If you’re not a fan of jarred Alfredo, you can absolutely use your own homemade Alfredo sauce. It gives the dish a richer, fresher flavor—but the jarred version works just fine for busy weeknights.

• Cheese Lovers Unite: Mix in a bit of sharp cheddar or even a sprinkle of smoked gouda for extra cheesiness.