Crispy golden tots meet creamy chicken Alfredo magic — and it’s every bit as comforting as it sounds.
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 6–8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: ~55 minutes
- Calories: ~480–580 per serving
- Protein: ~28–34g per serving
- Category: Comfort food, casserole
- Best For: Family dinners, make-ahead meals, picky eaters
- Diet Type: High-protein, family-friendly
Ingredients
Core Casserole:
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (8 oz) bag frozen broccoli florets (chopped if large)
- 8 slices cooked & chopped bacon
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup sour cream or cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or Italian seasoning
Topping:
- 1 (28–32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- Extra ½ cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or spray.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together:
- Alfredo sauce
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Then fold in:
- Shredded chicken
- Broccoli (frozen is fine; no need to thaw)
- Chopped bacon
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese
Mix until well combined and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Pour the chicken mixture into the greased casserole dish.
- Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tots.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until:
- Tater tots are golden and crispy
- Cheese is bubbling around edges
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness on top (optional).
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Serve with:
- Simple green salad
- Garlic toast
- A spoon and zero guilt
Recipe Variations
| Style | Ingredients / Swap |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Style | Add ½ cup Buffalo sauce + blue cheese crumbles |
| Low-Carb Version | Use riced cauliflower instead of tater tots |
| Loaded Baked Potato | Add cheddar, green onions, sour cream topping |
| Veggie-Packed | Add peas, spinach, or chopped mushrooms |
| Tex-Mex | Add taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack |
Nutrition (Per Serving — ~1/8th casserole)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~31g |
| Fat | ~34g |
| Carbs | ~28g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~820mg |
Why It Works
- Comfort + Crunch: Rich Alfredo meets crispy tots — perfect contrast.
- Crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters love tater tots.
- Make-ahead magic: Easily prepped, frozen, and reheated.
- Flavorful but minimal effort: Bacon, garlic, and Alfredo do the heavy lifting.
Storage & Reheating
| Storage Type | Duration | Reheat Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3–4 days | Microwave or 350°F oven for 10 mins |
| Freezer | 2–3 months | Wrap tightly, bake at 375°F for 50–60 mins from frozen |
| Make-Ahead | Assemble unbaked, freeze or refrigerate |
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh broccoli?
Yes, just lightly steam or sauté before mixing in.
Q: Can I substitute Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely. You can use:
- Homemade Alfredo (recipe below)
- Garlic cream sauce
- Ranch + cream cheese for a twist
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
Very! Omit the broccoli if needed and let the cheese + tots win them over.
Q: What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts beautifully. Mix with cheddar or Monterey Jack for flavor depth.
Quick Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1½ cups milk or heavy cream
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
Instructions:
- Melt butter and whisk in flour.
- Add milk gradually and whisk until thick.
- Stir in parmesan, garlic, and seasonings.