I contributed this dish for a party, and friends couldn't stop gushing about it

Loaded Chicken Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty dish that combines comforting elements of American comfort food with a twist of creativity. The tater tot casserole, often a Midwestern staple at gatherings, lends itself beautifully to variations, making it a perfect base for adding proteins like chicken. This meal is ideal for busy weeknights or when you're in need of a comforting dish that feeds a crowd.

This casserole is quite rich and delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp green salad to add a touch of freshness. Alternatively, serve it with steamed vegetables or a simple fruit salad to balance the hearty and comforting nature of the casserole.

Servings: 6

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
4 cups frozen tater tots
1 cup sour cream
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces
1/3 cup green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir in the diced cooked chicken, bacon, and green onions into the cream mixture.

4. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a layer of frozen tater tots at the bottom.

5. Pour the chicken and cream mixture over the tater tots and spread evenly.

6. Top with an additional layer of tater tots.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown.

8. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

For a spicier version, add a tablespoon of chopped jalapenos or a teaspoon of chili powder to the cream mixture. Vegetarian? Substitute the chicken with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can also use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or a pepper Jack to bring a different flavor profile to the dish.