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The Kind of Meal That’s There for You When You’re Not
Here’s the thing: some nights I just want dinner to make itself. I want to toss some things in a pot, forget about it, and come back to something warm and cheesy that makes the whole kitchen smell like love. That’s where this casserole comes in.
I call it “mom’s-night-off magic.” You throw it in the slow cooker in the morning (or lunchtime, let’s be real), go on with your day — work, errands, laundry that never ends — and then when you come back home? Dinner’s just waiting on you. Hot, bubbly, and full of comfort.
Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
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One pot, no hassle
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Kid-approved, grown-up loved — it’s cheesy, hearty, and has just enough veggies to feel respectable
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Perfect for leftovers — which means tomorrow’s lunch is already handled
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Comfort food to the core — creamy chicken, melty cheese, crunchy-on-the-edges tater tots… need I go on?
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Slow cooker = zero stress
What You’ll Need
Just simple, everyday stuff — nothing fancy here:
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1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots – You’ll layer ‘em right outta the bag.
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1 (9–12 oz) bag frozen mixed veggies – peas, carrots, corn… whatever’s in that freezer blend.
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1 (3 oz) bag bacon bits – or crumble up some real bacon if you’ve got it on hand.
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced – or thighs if that’s your thing.
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – the sharper the better.
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¾ cup half and half – makes it creamy without being too rich.
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper, to taste
How to Throw It Together
Step 1: Spray & Layer
First things first — spray that slow cooker with nonstick spray. Ain’t nobody got time for stuck-on cheese.
Lay down half the tater tots right in the bottom. No need to be neat — just a single layer.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Sprinkle 1/3 of the bacon bits and 1/3 of the cheese over the tots.
Then toss in your diced chicken — spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You’re building layers of flavor, and this is where it starts.
Step 3: Veggies & Layers
Scatter in half the veggies. Then repeat the layering:
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Another 1/3 bacon bits
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Another 1/3 of cheese
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The rest of your tater tots and veggies
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And finally, the last of your cheese and bacon bits
Step 4: Pour & Cook
Drizzle ¾ cup half and half over the whole thing — just a gentle pour across the top. Don’t stir it. Let it all stay cozy in its layers.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours — until the chicken is cooked through and the tots are soft and golden.
Before You Serve…
Give it 5 to 10 minutes with the lid off when it’s done. This lets it cool slightly and helps it firm up a bit so you’re not scooping a cheesy avalanche (although honestly, no one’s mad about that either).
Serve it as-is or top with:
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A dollop of sour cream
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Sliced green onions
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A little hot sauce
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A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese (go big or go home, right?)
Variations Worth Trying
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Make it spicy – Add some diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne.
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Try ranch seasoning – Sub that for Italian seasoning for a different twist.
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Use turkey or sausage – Whatever protein you’ve got in the freezer.
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Toss in extra veggies – spinach, mushrooms, chopped broccoli… sneak in what you like.
Storing the Leftovers (If You’re Lucky)
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Fridge: Keeps 3–4 days just fine.
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Reheat: Microwave for a quick bite or pop in the oven at 325°F to re-crisp the top.
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Freeze: Absolutely! Portion into freezer containers and use within 1–2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts from the Slow Cooker Side of Life
Is this fancy? Nope. But it’s good. The kind of good that fills bellies, warms hearts, and makes your house smell like someone’s been cooking all day — even if you’ve been wearing sweatpants and dodging emails.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 32 oz bag frozen tater tots
- 1 9-12 oz bag mixed frozen vegetables
- 1 3 oz bag bacon bits
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Add half of the frozen tater tots to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with 1/3 of the bacon bits and 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
- Layer diced chicken over cheese. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add half of the mixed vegetables.
- Add another 1/3 of the bacon bits and 1/3 of the cheese. Top with remaining tater tots and frozen vegetables.
- Finish with remaining bacon bits and cheese.
- Pour half and half evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked and casserole is bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!