A hearty and comforting casserole layered with tender breaded chicken cubes, crispy tater tots, creamy custard, gooey cheddar cheese, and savory bacon—this dish offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures that’s perfect for feeding a family or serving at casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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All‑in‑one comfort meal – Protein, starch, and dairy come together for a complete, cozy dish loved by both adults and children.
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Crunch meets creaminess – The crisp tater tots on top, tender chicken underneath, and creamy egg custard create delightful texture contrasts.
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Crowd‑friendly and easy to prep – Layers of pre-breaded chicken, frozen tots, and simple custard make preparation a breeze.
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Flexible and filling – Adaptable with assorted toppings and ideal as a make-ahead bake.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb breaded chicken cubes (frozen or freshly breaded)
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32 oz bag frozen tater tots
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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6 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1 cup sour cream
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1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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1 cup loaded baked potato toppings (assorted cheese, chives, green onions)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
directions
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Preheat the oven
Preheat to 375 °F (190 °C). -
Layer the chicken
Arrange the breaded chicken cubes in an even layer at the bottom of a large glass baking dish. -
Add the tater tots
Spread the frozen tater tots evenly over the chicken layer. -
Prepare the custard
Whisk together eggs, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the tater tots. -
Top with cheese and bacon
Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the casserole, then distribute the crumbled bacon on top. -
Bake covered and uncovered
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and the custard is set. -
Add toppings and serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with baked potato toppings, and allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 6–8
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Bake time: 45–50 minutes
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Total time: Approximately 60–65 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable boost: Add diced bell peppers, onions, or broccoli between the layers.
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Spicy twist: Include jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.
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Protein swap: Use breakfast sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of breaded cubes.
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Dairy-free version: Substitute milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
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Individual servings: Bake in individual ramekins for personalised portions.
storage/reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a 350 °F oven (covered) or use a microwave, stirring custard for even reheating.
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Make‑ahead: Assemble ingredients in advance, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake completely the next day.
FAQs
1. Can I skip the breaded chicken and use fresh?
Yes—use cooked chicken cubes seasoned and added without breading.
2. Will the tater tots lose their crunch?
Covering the dish during baking helps the tots cook through without losing all crispness.
3. Can I use regular hash browns instead of tater tots?
Absolutely—frozen shredded or diced potatoes can substitute well.
4. How can I reduce the fat content?
Use low-fat dairy, reduce cheese, or swap in lean chicken.
5. Is it freezer-friendly?
Fully assembled, it can be frozen for up to one month—thaw in refrigerator before baking.
6. Can I bake without covering with foil?
Yes, but the custard may brown unevenly; monitoring closely is advised.
7. Can I make this ahead and bake later?
Yes—prepare the casserole, cover, refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
8. How can I add more flavor?
Include diced onions, garlic, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs in the custard mixture.
9. Is sour cream essential?
It adds richness; you can substitute Greek yogurt or omit if preferred.
10. What if I have leftovers—are they still good?
Yes—reheat thoroughly and consider adding fresh toppings after warming.
Conclusion
This Tater Tot Casserole with Cheddar Cheese and Bacon is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With its satisfying layers, creamy custard, and customizable toppings, it delivers hearty goodness in every bite. Enjoy!