Dinner

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and crispy tater tots. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

The dish is served in a white bowl, filled with a single layer of golden brown tater tots, each one crispy with a slightly rough texture. Beneath the tater tots is a mix of shredded chicken and melted cheese, creating a creamy and slightly stringy yellow and white base. A rich, dark brown barbecue sauce is drizzled evenly over the top, adding shine and contrast. Small pieces of finely chopped white onions are scattered throughout, along with a sprinkle of fresh green herbs for color. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and stir well.
Step 4: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, frozen corn, diced red onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to the bowl and mix everything together.
Step 5: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Step 6: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
Try adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a smoky flavor.
Mix in some cooked bacon for extra richness and crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the tater tots regain their crispness.

How to Serve

The dish in a white bowl shows a layer of golden brown tater tots arranged closely together covering the entire surface. On top of the tater tots, there is melted cheese in shades of yellow and white, mixed with small bits of shredded chicken and finely chopped white onions scattered evenly. A dark brown barbecue sauce is drizzled in lines over everything, and small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh contrast. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Fresh corn adds a nice texture and sweetness; simply use about 1 cup of cooked fresh corn kernels.