Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir in the sautéed garlic until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the filling: Spread the chicken Alfredo mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with tater tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot, either as a standalone meal or with a simple side salad for a well-rounded dinner.
Tips for Success:
- Rotisserie chicken shortcut: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Add veggies: Want to pack in some veggies? Try adding frozen peas, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture before baking.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the Alfredo mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few side ideas to round out the meal:
- Garlic bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Caesar salad: A crisp, refreshing Caesar salad will balance the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed veggies: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans would complement the dish.
Conclusion: Creamy, Crispy, and Comforting
This Chicken Alfredo Tater Tot Casserole is the perfect comfort food for when you want something rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With its creamy Alfredo chicken filling and crispy tater tot topping, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole checks all the boxes for deliciousness and ease!