Before we get started, let me explain that I’ll be using the term “slow cooker” is used interchangeably with “crock pot.” Crock Pot is a brand name of a line of slow cookers. So sometimes you’ll see me call it a crock [ot and other times I’ll call it a slow cooker. It all means the same thing. Are you still with me? Good! Let’s continue!
During the warm summer months, I get a lot of reader-requests for slow cooker meals. And because I love y’all so much, I do my best to oblige. When the sun is a-blazin’ during summer, lots of cooks are looking for ways to conserve energy and not heat up the house. And a slow cooker is the way to go. It’s also great for folks who may need their oven for other things they might be baking. For example, you can have this meal going in your slow cooker and still be baking a dessert the oven. And many slow cookers are fairly inexpensive. I have one of the most basic models they sell and it only cost me about $25 and it works just fine. Slow cookers come in a range of sizes. You can even get fancier ones that are all digital. They are neat and fun to play with, but honestly, if you are new to slow cooking, a basic 6- quart model is all you need and it will work just fine. Oval slow cookers are the way to go and will suit almost all your needs and it cooks more evenly than a round model.
Now, onto the recipe. Y’all, this casserole is so good. I just don’t know how else to describe it. It is cheesy. It is bacon-y. And you got your chicken and taters all together so it is a whole meal in one. And the taste is so pleasin’. You just gotta try it and let me know what you think. In my house, this is kid and hubby-friendly.
Ingredients:
1 (32 oz.) bag frozen tater tots
1 (3 oz.) bag bacon pieces
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup milk
salt & pepper, to taste
I’m using bacon pieces here, but feel free to use the bacon you enjoy. Sometimes if I fry bacon, I’ll make a double batch and use leftovers for this or sandwiches. Microwave bacon works just fine too.
Directions:
Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Layer half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sprinkle with 1/3 of the bacon pieces.
Now top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
Add diced chicken on top. Season with salt & pepper.
Now add 1/3 of the bacon pieces and another 1/3 of shredded cheese.
Put the rest of the frozen tater tots on top.
Finish with the remaining 1/3 cheddar cheese and remaining 1/3 of bacon pieces.
Pour 3/4 cup milk all over the top.
Cover and cook on low about 4-6 hours. Please note: Some slow cookers run at different temperatures. If you are using an older slow cooker (older than about 6 years old), your cooking time may take longer. Newer models run a bit hotter so keep an eye on this around the 4 hour mark. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly (to 165F degrees.)
Look at all that cheesy goodness on top.
Serve with your favorite veggies and a fresh, green salad.
Cook’s Note: To make in the oven: spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Then layer ingredients into baking dish. Cover and bake at 350F degrees for about an hour to an hour and a half.
Enjoy!
Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Print Pin RatePrep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 1000
Ingredients
- 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1 3 oz bag bacon pieces
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 of the bacon pieces.
- Now top with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Add diced chicken on top.
- Season with salt & pepper.
- Now add 1/3 of the bacon pieces and another 1/3 of shredded cheese.
- Put the rest of the frozen tater tots on top.
- Finish with the remaining 1/3 cheddar cheese and remaining 1/3 of bacon pieces.
- Pour 3/4 cup milk all over the top.
- Cover and cook on low about 4-6 hours.
Nutrition
Calories: 1000kcal
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Zoe says
We don’t have tater tots in England, are they basically just frozen potatoes?
Carmen says
Hi everyone I have a dilemma, so i want to make this now and i realized that I don’t have milk so my question is: Can i substitute regular milk with evaporated milk instead? Please help????
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
You sure can! 🙂
Taharra says
Hello! This recipe looks wonderful. I will be making it on Sunday. I was wondering can I add a can of cream of chicken and a dollop of sour cream to the milk? Also, could I use ham instead of bacon?
Candida says
You can substitute ham 4 bacon but it wont be as smokie tasting.& if you add the cr chicken soup may change consistency a bit. BUT YOUR WAY SOUNDS GOOD TOO!
Kindelle says
Just wondering when you cook it in the oven do you still use the milk?
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
Hi Kindelle! No – you don’t add the milk. It’s just used in the crockpot so the chicken doesn’t dry out. 🙂
Kindelle says
Great thank you I’m trying this tonight!!
Adelina says
I’m in the middle of this & realized I don’t have any cooking spray; any suggestions?
Sarah says
Very good as is. The best part about this meal is how easy it was to prepare. Who doesn’t love a simple potatoes, chicken and cheese recipe that requires very little work and almost no time? As I said, the best part is how easy it is to make. Just dump everything into the crockpot and go. But, if I have more time the next time I prepare it, I’ll probably make a few additions. I’m thinking next time I’ll add green onions, ranch powder, cubed cream cheese and maybe some sour cream! Overall, great recipe for those busy days/nights.
Carolyn says
I’m wondering if you’ve ever added a package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix. I’m going to try this for the first time tonight and wondered if I might try it that way. Thanks!
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
I haven’t but I have had others do it and they enjoyed it!
Amanda:) says
Hello,
This is a family favorite and we’ve made it MANY times 🙂 Has anyone converted this for the Instant Pot? I’d love to be able to make it faster as I always forget how long it takes in the crock pot. Thank you in advance for your ideas!
Amanda:)
Donna says
Just made this for dinner and it was delish! The ONLY thing I did different was after cutting up the chicken I mixed it with a packet of dry ranch dressing to give it a little “oomph!” I omitted the salt and pepper. It was so good!
Tiffany Surber says
Is this something you think that could be frozen for meal prep meals and still be good?
Brandie @ The Country Cook says
HI Tiffany! That is a really good question. I don’t see why not. As long as you are wrapping it really well before putting it into the freezer it should work. Then add on some additional cooking time since you’re cooking from frozen. If you try it, I’d love to know how it turns out!