When my kids were little and money was tight, this recipe became our Friday night tradition. What started as a budget-friendly dinner has turned into the most requested dish at our family gatherings. Twenty years later, I’ve perfected every detail – from the creamy sauce to the extra-crispy tot topping.
The Good Stuff
For the Base:
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I use peas, carrots, corn)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Crown:
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
- 1 cup extra cheese for topping
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (makes them extra golden!)
Let’s Make It
- Get Started (15 mins)
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Brown chicken with onions
- Add garlic last minute
- Drain if needed
- The Creamy Layer (10 mins)
- Mix soups, sour cream, milk
- Add seasonings
- Stir in veggies and cheese
- Combine with chicken mixture
- Assembly (10 mins)
- Pour mixture in 9×13 dish
- Arrange tots in neat rows
- Sprinkle with cheese
- Dust with paprika
- Bake (45-50 mins)
- Cover first 30 minutes
- Uncover for golden tots
- Let rest 10 minutes
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t thaw the tots
- Pat chicken dry before browning
- Use full-fat dairy
- Arrange tots in rows for even cooking
- Broil last 2 minutes for extra crunch
Common Questions
“Make ahead?” Assemble without tots, add them before baking.
“Too soupy?” Use less milk or add more veggies.
“Freeze it?” Freezes great! Thaw overnight.
Perfect Partners
Serve with:
- Simple salad
- Crusty bread
- Extra sour cream
- Chopped parsley
- Hot sauce (my personal must-have)
Family Secrets
Here’s what makes this version special: seasoning every layer. The chicken gets seasoned, the creamy mixture gets seasoned, even the tots get a dusting of paprika. It’s these little touches that make people come back for seconds.
Pro tip: Save a few tots to snack on while it bakes. You know you want to!
P.S. – Leftovers make an amazing breakfast with a fried egg on top. Just saying!