Tater Tot Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients

• 3 T. unsalted butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
• kosher salt
• 6 T. all-purpose flour (gluten free is fine)
• 3 c. whole or skim milk
• enough chicken soup mix or bouillon cubes for 3 c. broth (do not dilute the mix though)
• 3/4 c. frozen peas
• 1 ½ lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or thigh, chopped into 1/2-3/4 inch pieces
• 1/2 t. dried thyme
• black pepper
• 1-2 lb. frozen tater tots, for topping
• ketchup, for serving, if desired

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, melt butter; add onion and carrots and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring until soft, about 10 minutes.
3. Evenly stir in flour; add half of the milk, stirring continuously until thickened; repeat with second half of the milk. Stir in the chicken soup mix, peas, chicken, thyme, and pepper; simmer, stirring often, 10 - 15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Transfer mixture to an 8 x 11 inch baking dish or 3 quart oven-safe dish; cover with tater tots. Bake until the tots are golden brown; begin checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
5. Let cool slightly. Serve with ketchup, if desired.
6. (It can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator until it's time to bake.)
7. 6-8 servings.