2pie crusts9-inch store bought frozen, thawed (if you plan to freeze it, do not bother thawing)
Filling
⅓cupunsalted butter
1teaspoonminced garlicoptional
⅓cupyellow onionchopped
⅓ cupall-purpose flour
½teaspoonKosher salt
¼teaspoonfresh ground black pepperamount to taste
½ cupwhole milk
2 ½cupschickencooked and shredded. you can substitute the same amount turkey
2cupsfrozen mixed vegetablesthawed
1 ¾cupchicken broth
Topping
1bagfrozen Tater Tots1 bag (1 pound, 12 ounces/793 grams) regular size or mini, you will not use all the tots in the bag
½cupcheddar shredded 3-cheese blend (I like Cheddar) optional 1/2-1 cup
1teaspoonparsley flakesamount to taste, or fresh parsley, for serving
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper for serving
Instructions
Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, add the yellow onion and cook until the onions are tender. Stir in flour, salt, pepper. Stir in broth and milk and cook until thick, smooth and bubbly.
Add Chicken, mixed vegetables and stir. Turn off heat and remove from stove top. Spoon the chicken-vegetable mixture evenly into the pie crusts. Top with tater tots in neat rows (I like the circular design). Add the optional shredded cheese to the top.
Bake in a 425 degree preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes until tater tots and crust is golden brown. If needed, in the last 15 to 20 minutes cover the crust edge in aluminum foil to prevent over browning or burning. When the casserole is done baking, allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving, enjoy!