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Cheesy Chicken Tator Tot Casserole in the Crockpot

This Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole in the Crockpot is a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly meal. Layers of tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, bacon, and crispy tater tots make for a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.

Slow cooker recipes make cooking easy and this cheesy chicken tator tot casserole is just that with its simple prep and hands-off cooking. Five ingredients, fifteen minutes to prepare, and four hours to cook! You probably have all of the ingredients on hand right now. This comforting recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.

A two-part image showcasing a cheesy chicken tater tot casserole. The top image shows the casserole bubbling in a crockpot, garnished with green onions and a wooden spoon. The bottom image shows a serving of the casserole on a white plate with green beans, garnished with green onions and bacon bits. The text "Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole" is centered between the images, with "Crock Pot" in a circle on the left.

Sometimes the best recipes are ones you simply throw together without knowing the outcome.  This Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Tator Tot Casserole is one of those recipes.  It’s an easy recipe and it’s on repeat like this Crock Pot Taco Chicken and my Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches. Meals that you add the ingredients, set it, and let it cook to perfection are timesavers and delicious.

Cheesy Chicken Tator Tot Casserole in the Crockpot

This cheesy tater tots with chicken casserole is a simple slow cooker meal with minimal prep. Simply assemble the ingredients in the crock pot and cook. You’ll be enjoying a comforting, hassle-free dinner when you are ready for dinner.

This family-friendly casserole recipe is customizable—swap cheeses, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to suit your taste. It reheats well, making it great for meal prep, and the cheesy, crispy combination is always a hit with kids. With effortless cleanup and rich, savory flavors, this slow cooker tater tot casserole is a must-try for any comfort food lover.

Timesaving Tips and Variations

Try these time-saving tips and variations. These simple adjustments can enhance the flavor, texture, or prep time while keeping the dish just as easy and delicious.

  • If you’re short on prep time, skip grating and use store-bought shredded cheese.
  • Add frozen peas, corn, or mixed veggies – just layer in with the other ingredients. No thawing is needed.
  • Swap cheddar for mozzarella cheese, Colby Jack, or a smoky gouda for a new flavor twist.
  • Add in diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for added heat.
  • Sprinkle in a packet of ranch seasoning for a tangy, herby flavor boost.

Whether adding spice, extra veggies, or a new cheese blend, there’s plenty of room to make this slow cooker casserole your own.

chicken potato bake with green beans on white plate

Other Easy Tator Tot Recipes

If you love the little bites of potatoes there are plenty of other creative ways to use them in your meals.

From quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing appetizers, potato nuggets can be transformed into all sorts of delicious creations

Frequently Asked Questions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Yes! Assemble everything in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready, place the crockpot insert back in and cook as directed.

Yes, chicken thighs are often recommended as they tend to stay more moist in the slow cooker.

Yes, ground beef or turkey can be used. Just be sure to brown and drain it before adding it to the crockpot.

You’re going to love this easy casserole—it’s a tasty, one-pot meal that everyone will love.

fork with bite of chicken and tots.

Suggested Tools to Make Tator Tot Chicken Casserole

Having the right kitchen tools on hand ensures a smooth cooking process. With just a few basic items, you can quickly assemble the ingredients and let it cook.

These everyday essential kitchen tools help streamline the process for a hassle-free cooking experience.

Ingredients for Tator Tot Casserole in the Crockpot

A few simple ingredients, combining pantry staples and fresh items, come together for a comforting, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

  •  frozen tater tots
  • real bacon pieces
  • chicken breasts
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • milk
  • salt and pepper
ingredients for chicken and tots

Directions to Make Tator Tot Casserole in the Crock Pot

Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. First layer: Half tater tots, ⅓ of the bacon, ⅓ of the cheese, and all of the meat. Season with salt and pepper.

layer one of chicken and tot casserole

Next layer: another ⅓ of the bacon, another ⅓ of the cheese, and the rest of the tots. Top with the rest of the cheese and bacon.

add more tots cheese and bacon to chicken

Pour the ¾ cup of milk over it all and season with salt and pepper, once again. Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours (check at 4 hours as some slow cookers can cook faster than others.

add milk in slow cooker and let cook

Serve with some green beans as we did, or this Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad or Lightened Up Broccoli Salad.

serving of potato chicken casserole with green beans on plate

Don’t wait! It’s time to whip up this slow cooker goodness tonight. Save and print this one to keep!

Printable Recipe Card

Overhead view of a white plate with a serving of tater tot casserole with visible chunks of tater tots, cheese, and bacon bits. Green beans are arranged neatly beside the casserole. The plate is on a marble surface with scattered green onion pieces and a striped napkin.

Cheesy Chicken Tator Tot Casserole in the Crockpot

This Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole in the Crockpot is a simple, satisfying, and family-friendly meal.
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken tator tot casserole, crock pot cheesy chicken casserole
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lisa Kerhin

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen tater tots
  • 1 bag (3 ounces) real bacon pieces
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup milk
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Spray crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Place half of the frozen tater tots on the bottom of the crock pot.
  • Sprinkle with ⅓ of the bacon pieces.
  • Top with ⅓ of the cheese. Add the chicken on top. Season with salt & pepper.
  • Next, add ⅓ of the bacon pieces and 1/3 of shredded cheese.
  • Place the rest of the frozen tater tots on top.
  • Finish with the remaining ⅓ cheddar cheese and remaining ⅓ bacon pieces.
  • Pour ¾ cup milk all over the top.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Cover and cook on low about 4-6 hours. Check it at the 4 hour mark as some crock pots do cook faster than others.

Notes

see blog post for tips and variations

Nutritional Disclaimer

“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Tried this recipe?I hope you enjoy all the recipes I share with you, including this one! I hope you try it, enjoy it, comment and rate it, and share it with your friends and family!

Enjoy!

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9 Comments

  1. Karen's Kitchen Stories says:

    Tater Tots, slow cooker, and cheese! What’s not to love?

  2. I love that you can make this in the slow cooker. What a great family dinner idea!

  3. I love that this is in the slow cooker. Great for weeknight options.

  4. You had me at Tator tots! This looks so easy and yummy!