A creamy, cheesy casserole combining tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, crispy tater tots, and a rich cream cheese sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 (32 ounce) bag frozen tater tots
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños, drained
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Add the cooked shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced pickled jalapeños, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until well combined.
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the dish.
Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture, covering the entire surface.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the tater tots.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.
Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.