Dinner

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

ByLily Cross February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The dish is served in a white bowl filled with one main layer of golden-brown tater tots, each crispy and textured on the outside. Over the tater tots, there is a generous layer of melted yellow and white cheese, gooey and mixing smoothly with the small pieces of shredded chicken that are pale brown and tender. On top, dark brown barbecue sauce is drizzled in thin lines across the dish, adding shine and contrast. Small chopped white onions and green herb bits are sprinkled evenly over everything, giving a fresh pop of 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 (Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.)
1 cup BBQ sauce (Choose your favorite brand or flavor.)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (This cheese melts beautifully.)
1 cup frozen corn (Adds sweetness and color.)
1/2 cup diced red onion (Provides a sharp flavor.)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances overall flavor.)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (Adds depth to the onion flavor.)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Adds a hint of spice.)
1 bag frozen tater tots (32-ounce bag, provides a crispy finish.)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (For garnish.)

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.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce.
Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like some heat.
Swap frozen corn for fresh or canned corn for different textures.
Top with sliced green onions or extra cheese before baking for added richness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in short intervals.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white bowl filled with a layered tater tot casserole. The first layer is golden brown crispy tater tots, arranged to cover the bowl fully. Underneath, there is melted shredded cheese in yellow and white colors mixed with small pieces of shredded chicken. On top, more tater tots are placed, lightly browned, and drizzled with a dark brown barbecue sauce. The whole dish is sprinkled with chopped green herbs and small pieces of diced onions, adding texture and color contrast. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?

Tater tots are typically sold frozen; using them frozen ensures they crisp up nicely during baking. Fresh tater tots are not common, so it’s best to use frozen for this recipe.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.