Chicken Tots Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 1 (1-pound) bag frozen tater tots
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup diced sweet bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeno pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• 1 lemon, zested
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line a sheet pan with foil and spray it lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Arrange the frozen tater tots on the prepared sheet pan and lightly spray them with vegetable oil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tots are golden and crispy on the bottom and edges. Keep warm in the oven while you prepare the chicken.

Step 3: Season both sides of the chicken thighs with kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut the chicken into 1/2-inch pieces.

Step 5: In the same skillet, add the diced red onion, sweet bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper. Saut over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the edges of the onions start to brown.

Step 6: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Step 7: Add the sliced green onions and lemon zest to the skillet, tossing to combine with the vegetables and garlic.

Step 8: Stir in the lemon juice, chicken broth, and any accumulated juices from the plate with the chicken. Let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquids reduce by about half, which should take about 5 minutes.

Step 9: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it back to a simmer. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 10: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, allowing it to melt into the creamy sauce.

Step 11: Serve the creamy chicken mixture over the hot tater tots. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 717
• Total Fat: 48g (61% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 23g (114% DV)
• Cholesterol: 226mg (75% DV)
• Sodium: 1284mg (56% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 40g (15% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% DV)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 36g (73% DV)
• Vitamin C: 65mg (72% DV)
• Calcium: 195mg (15% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
• Potassium: 865mg (18% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Chicken Tots is a modern American dish that combines the crispy, golden-brown goodness of tater tots with a creamy, savory chicken sauce. It offers a unique twist on traditional comfort foods and is rapidly becoming a favorite for dinner or game-day snacks. Whether you're a fan of poutine or classic chicken and fries, this recipe is sure to win your heart with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

History and Origin

Though the origins of Chicken Tots are somewhat unclear, it can be seen as a creative take on poutine, a classic Canadian dish consisting of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. Chicken Tots, however, uses tater tots as the base and features a chicken-based gravy, giving it a modern twist while still delivering the same comforting experience. The dish has gained popularity in the United States in recent years, especially in casual dining settings and on social media platforms, where food enthusiasts are constantly looking for innovative ways to elevate comfort food staples.

Regional Variations

While Chicken Tots is generally associated with American cuisine, it has inspired regional variations depending on local preferences. In the Southwest, you might find the dish spiced with additional jalapeos or cilantro for a more vibrant, fresh flavor. In contrast, in the Midwest, where comfort food reigns supreme, the dish may be served with a more traditional, hearty sauce. Some chefs also experiment by swapping out the tater tots for other fried potato options, such as hashbrowns or fries, adding a unique regional flair to the dish.

How It's Different from Similar Dishes

At its core, Chicken Tots is similar to other comfort foods like poutine and chicken gravy dishes, but it stands apart with its distinct choice of base: tater tots. While poutine uses fries, Chicken Tots uses crispy, golden tots, which offer a unique texture. The creamy chicken sauce also distinguishes it from traditional poutine, which typically features a beef or chicken gravy. Furthermore, the addition of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and jalapeos brings a burst of freshness that is uncommon in many other similar dishes, adding layers of flavor and complexity.

Where to Serve Chicken Tots

Chicken Tots is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. It makes an excellent weeknight dinner for families, offering a quick yet satisfying meal. It's also perfect for casual gatherings, like game nights or tailgate parties, where guests can dig in without the need for utensils. Its comforting flavors make it a popular choice at restaurants and food trucks specializing in American comfort food or fusion dishes. You can even serve it as an appetizer or snack for large groups, as it's both hearty and shareable.

Fun Facts About Chicken Tots

Did you know that tater tots, the base of this dish, were invented in 1953 by the Ore-Ida company as a way to use up leftover potato scraps? What started as a way to repurpose waste has now become an iconic part of American comfort food. As for Chicken Tots, this dish has gained a cult following in online recipe communities and food blogs, making it one of the hottest trends in home-cooked meals. Its creamy, savory sauce is often made with heavy cream and chicken broth, giving it a richness that feels indulgent yet comforting at the same time.

Conclusion

Chicken Tots offers a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for anyone who loves comfort food with a modern twist. Whether you are trying it for the first time or making it a regular part of your recipe rotation, this dish is sure to impress. With its easy preparation, hearty ingredients, and customizable nature, Chicken Tots is a fun, flavorful dish that you can enjoy in many different settings.

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