If you are craving a hearty, homey dish that is effortless to prepare but delivers big on flavor, look no further than this delightful Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Tater Tot Topping Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender chicken, creamy vegetables, and the crispy, golden crunch of tater tots, all slow-cooked to cozy perfection. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or simply want a comforting meal that warms the soul, this recipe fits the bill without any fuss or stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is simple, and each plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich, savory flavors and varied textures that make this dish irresistible. From the juicy chicken to the colorful veggies, and the crispy topping, every element is essential.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all those delicious flavors.
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A convenient medley of carrots, peas, and corn adds a burst of color, sweetness, and nutrition.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that binds everything together in luscious, comforting sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Enhances the moisture and flavor depth for the filling.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a lively, fragrant kick.
- 3 cups frozen tater tots: The star of the topping, providing satisfying crunch and golden color.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: For brushing or mixing with the tater tots, elevating their crispiness and flavor.
- Salt to taste: Balances and enhances overall flavors.
- Black pepper to taste: Adds mild heat and depth.
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional): A subtle herbaceous note that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish): Fresh greenery for a lovely pop of color and freshness at serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Tater Tot Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to scoop up with every serving.
Step 2: Layer the Crock Pot
Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen mixed vegetables on top. This layering allows the flavors to meld as the chicken cooks gently beneath the hearty vegetables.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth until smooth. Pour this velvety mixture over the layered ingredients in the crock pot, coating everything with a delicious creamy sauce.
Step 4: Season and Stir
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and optional thyme. Give everything a good stir so all the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the flavorful soup and seasoning mixture, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 5: Add the Tater Tot Topping
Arrange the frozen tater tots on top of the filling in an even layer. These tots will crisp up beautifully during cooking, providing the signature golden, crunchy topping that makes this pot pie stand out.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, while the tater tots turn irresistibly crispy and golden brown on top.
Step 7: Final Touches
If you find the filling needs thickening after cooking, simply stir in a bit of flour or cornstarch mixed with water. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch to this comforting dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Tater Tot Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds just the right splash of color and freshness, brightening the rich, creamy flavors. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can also invigorate the dish right before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty pot pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad for balance or steamed green beans for a clean, fresh counterpoint to the indulgent main dish. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a side of garlic bread also make delightful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, portion this dish into individual ramekins before adding the tater tot topping and cooking. This makes for charming individual servings that are perfect for entertaining or cozy solo dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This pot pie also freezes beautifully. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to leave space for expansion and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve the crispy tater tot topping. Alternatively, microwaving works well, but the tots may lose some crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
While fresh chicken is best for optimal texture, you can use frozen chicken breasts if they are fully thawed before adding to the crock pot. Cooking times may need slight adjustment.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different but equally tasty twist. Alternatively, make a homemade white sauce as a creamy base.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, green beans, or diced potatoes to customize the filling to your taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the recipe should be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and cornstarch for thickening. Always double-check ingredient labels to be sure.
How do I make sure the tater tots stay crispy?
Cooking on high for a shorter time can help keep the tots crispy. Also, avoid stirring the topping during cooking to maintain their texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Tater Tot Topping Recipe enough for those days when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without the hassle. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavors that make coming home feel like a warm hug. Give it a try — your busy weeknights just found their new best friend in this delicious pot pie!
Print
Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie with Tater Tot Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes on low; 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes on high
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a simple and comforting slow-cooker recipe perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce cook together all day, topped with crispy tater tots for a satisfying, easy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
Topping and Garnish
- 3 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Trim fat off chicken breasts and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place chicken pieces at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and frozen mixed vegetables on top.
- Mix Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Pour the mixture evenly over the ingredients in the Crock Pot.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and thyme as desired. Stir gently to coat the chicken and vegetables with the sauce mixture.
- Add Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the filling mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the chicken is tender.
- Optional Thickening and Garnish: If needed, thicken the filling by stirring in a small amount of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh vegetables if preferred but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For a thicker filling, add a slurry of cornstarch or flour in step 7 towards the end of cooking.
- Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and broth to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ensure the tater tots are arranged evenly on top for uniform crispiness.
- This dish can be reheated well making it great for meal prepping.
