If comfort food had a mascot, Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole might just be it. This hearty, creamy, and downright indulgent dish takes everything you love about classic Alfredo pasta—rich sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness—and fuses it with the crispy, golden perfection of tater tots. The result is a casserole that’s equal parts satisfying, family-friendly, and perfect for a cozy night in.
This recipe is the ultimate shortcut to delicious. It makes use of pantry and freezer staples like jarred Alfredo sauce, frozen peas, and tater tots, making it an easy go-to on busy weeknights. The creamy interior contrasts beautifully with the crispy top layer of tots, and the added mozzarella brings everything together in one irresistibly gooey, cheesy bite.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping a make-ahead freezer meal, or just in the mood for something rich and comforting, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s quick to throw together, requires minimal prep, and will have everyone coming back for seconds—maybe thirds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Crispy – The combination of Alfredo sauce and tater tots creates the perfect textural contrast.
- Family Favorite – A kid-approved dinner that adults will secretly love just as much.
- One-Pan Convenience – Everything bakes in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.
- Perfect for Leftovers – A great way to use up leftover chicken.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and freeze for stress-free weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- Cooked, shredded chicken
- Alfredo sauce
- Sour cream
- Frozen peas
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Frozen tater tots
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Variations
Add Bacon
Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, salty flavor boost.
Veggie Boost
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
Spice It Up
Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a little heat.
Swap the Sauce
Use a garlic cream sauce or homemade Alfredo for a different flavor profile.
Try Different Cheese
Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses can all be used in place of or alongside mozzarella.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, peas, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully mixed.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5–10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – A great time-saver with tons of flavor.
- Don’t Thaw Tater Tots – Use them straight from the freezer so they stay crisp.
- Shred Cheese Fresh – It melts better and doesn’t have added anti-caking agents.
- Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Let It Rest – Allow a few minutes to cool slightly for easier slicing and serving.
How to Serve
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Add a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Perfect as a one-dish dinner—no extra sides necessary.
- Serve at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings for maximum comfort-food vibes.
- Great for meal prep—portion into containers for lunch the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing
Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready to use, bake from frozen at 375°F for 60–70 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce will add an extra level of flavor.
2. Do I need to thaw the peas first?
No, frozen peas can go straight into the mix—they’ll cook perfectly in the oven.
3. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute and adds extra protein.
4. Will fresh vegetables work instead of frozen?
Yes, just blanch or lightly cook them before adding to the mix.
5. Can I use other types of pasta instead of tater tots?
This recipe is designed for tater tots, but cooked pasta could work as a casserole base with some tweaks.
6. What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken will do—grilled, poached, or rotisserie.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use two baking dishes or a large roasting pan and adjust bake time if needed.
8. How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add extra veggies or a plant-based protein substitute.
9. Can I use low-fat dairy ingredients?
Yes, low-fat sour cream and cheese can be used, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
10. What’s the best way to get crispy tots?
Bake uncovered and don’t overcrowd the top—this lets the tots crisp up nicely.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate mashup of cozy flavors and convenience. With a creamy, savory filling and a golden, crunchy topping, it hits all the right comfort food notes. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this casserole is a keeper. Make it once, and it might just earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
PrintChicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
This cozy Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole brings together creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, melty mozzarella, and crispy golden tater tots in one deliciously comforting dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need an easy crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup frozen peas
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, peas, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Arrange frozen tater tots evenly over the top.
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tater tots.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and ease.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a twist.
This dish is great for freezing — just assemble and freeze before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Tater tot casserole, chicken Alfredo, easy dinner, freezer meal, creamy casserole