# Components:
→ Protein
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
03 - 1 small onion, diced
→ Sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 - 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - ½ cup milk (any variety)
08 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
09 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
11 - 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
→ Optional
12 - ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to preheat fully.
02 - In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the flour into the melted butter and onion mixture, stirring continuously, and cook for 1 minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
04 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring a smooth mixture. Cook the sauce until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Season the sauce with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir in mixed vegetables and cooked chicken. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
06 - Transfer the prepared filling evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
07 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single even layer on top of the filling.
08 - Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until tater tots are golden and crispy. In the final 5 minutes, optionally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots to melt.
09 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
