# Ingredient List:
→ Protein
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1.5 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 - 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 0.5 cup milk
08 - 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Topping
12 - 1 (28-ounce) bag frozen tater tots
→ Optional
13 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
03 - Stir in flour, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps; cook until mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Incorporate garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper; stir in mixed vegetables and cooked chicken, simmering for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
06 - Spread the filling evenly into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
07 - Arrange frozen tater tots in a single uniform layer over the filling.
08 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until tater tots turn golden and crispy; optionally sprinkle cheddar cheese over the tots during the last 5 minutes of baking.
09 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.
