Cheesy, zesty, and topped with golden tater tots. This Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a family-friendly dinner loaded with shredded chicken, black beans, salsa, melted cheese, and a crispy layer of tots on top. Think of it as a taco-inspired hotdish… comforting, bold, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s the fun, zesty cousin to my Cowboy Tater Tot Casserole, and it might just be your new go-to weeknight meal. I tested it with both chicken and beef, and both versions disappeared fast at my table!
Ingredients & Substitions
- Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese soften, or come to room temperature, before mixing it with the taco seasoning.
- Taco Seasoning: For the most flavor, use homemade taco seasoning. Or, use about a 1-ounce packet of store-bought seasoning.
- Salsa: Although I used mild chunky salsa, choose your favorite variety to use. Or, try my homemade roasted salsa! Have a little extra on hand for serving.
- Black Beans: This recipe uses black beans for extra protein and a little fiber. They add a nice texture and help make the casserole filling. Don’t have black beans? You can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even corn. You can also leave them out if you prefer; the casserole will still be cheesy, tasty, and delicious!
- Rotisserie Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken in recipes! It is already cooked and ready to go! Any cooked chicken, like my shredded chicken, would also work perfectly in this recipe.
- Cheese: I used Monterey Jack cheese for a mild, melty, cheesy flavor that everyone loves. You can also use cheddar, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend if that’s what you have on hand. Any melty cheese works, so feel free to use your favorite!
- Tater Tots: Look for a 28-ounce bag of frozen tater tots. I used about 3/4 of the bag, but use the amount you prefer.
Why You’ll Love Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Customizable: chicken, beef, or even turkey works.
- Freezer-friendly for easy meal prep.
- Cheesy, hearty, and picky-eater approved!
Varitations
- Ground Beef Fiesta Casserole- Swap chicken for cooked beef seasoned with taco mix.
- Spicy Version- Use hot salsa + pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian- Double the beans and corn, skip the chicken.
- Extra Cheesy- Add a middle layer of shredded cheese under the tots.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
Make Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance. For the crispiest tots, add them just before baking.
Freezer Meal: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until hot and crispy.
Leftovers: Refrigerate up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave portions. Leftovers can also be frozen (wrap in individual portions).
What to Serve with Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
This hearty casserole is great on its own, but round out the meal with simple sides and tasty toppings. Serve with coleslaw, air fryer carrots or steamed vegetables, corn on the cob, or rice and beans. Add extra flavor with sour cream, sliced green onions, salsa, easy guacamole, or jalapeños. Mix and match sides and toppings to make it your own!
Fiesta Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning, about 3 tablespoons
- 2 cups (518 g) mild chunky salsa
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded, cubed
- 2 cups (226 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen Tater Tots
Optional Toppings
- green onions, sliced
- sour cream
- salsa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Set aside a 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese and taco seasoning until smooth.
- Stir in salsa until everything is combined.
- Mix in black beans, chicken, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is coated in the salsa mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer over the surface. (I used about ¾ of the bag.)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Remove from oven and serve warm with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or extra salsa.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is super easy to make, and it tastes amazing! I would add some corn to mine next time.
Elizabeth
I loved this tater tot casserole! It was very fiesta-y and flavorful! I will be making this one at home, it is so easy, but filling!
Bella
I loved the crispy tater tots on top! It's like taco night and cheesy potatoes all in one.
Stephanie
This is comfort food at its best. It's flavorful, hearty, and easy to prep ahead.
This looks amazing! I’d love to try it. Could you use a baking dish instead? What size do you think? I think I do have a skillet, but it’s too small!