Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Some meals are more than just food; they are a celebration of classic comfort flavors. This recipe for Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the epitome of that feeling. It’s a fun, family-friendly dish that brings together a delicious medley of creamy chicken, savory bacon, a cheesy ranch sauce, and a crispy tater tot topping. It’s a hearty, satisfying, and completely irresistible meal that is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. This is the perfect meal for a cozy night in, and it’s so easy to make, it’s a dream for a busy weeknight.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that deliver big on flavor with minimal effort, and this casserole is a new favorite in my kitchen. What I love most is how it combines so many classic flavors into one single dish. The creamy filling, made with shredded chicken and a rich blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch dressing, is perfectly complemented by the crispy, golden-brown tater tots. The savory bacon and gooey cheddar cheese add a layer of decadence that is simply irresistible. This is a “dump-and-bake” kind of meal that requires only about 10 minutes of prep time, making it a lifesaver on days when I don’t have a lot of time to cook.
Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 121 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken is a huge time-saver. You can use leftover roasted chicken, a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or you can quickly cook a couple of chicken breasts and shred them. You can also use ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but this casserole would be delicious with a variety of other cheeses. Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a spicy pepper jack would be fantastic options.
- Bacon: The cooked and crumbled bacon adds a wonderful salty, smoky flavor to the casserole. You can cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy, or for an even easier cleanup, cook it in the oven or air fryer.
- Ranch Dressing: Using a good quality ranch dressing is key to the flavor of this dish. If you prefer, you can make your own ranch dressing from scratch for a fresher taste.
- Veggies: This is a great recipe for adding in some extra vegetables. You can mix in a cup of frozen peas, corn, or some sautéed onions and bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded or cubed chicken, the can of cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, the ranch dressing, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the cooked and crumbled bacon, and the black pepper. Mix everything together until it is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy chicken mixture over the top of the tater tots and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the rest of the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 40−45 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a final touch of color and flavor.
Tips for Success
- Use Cooked Chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked before you add it to the casserole. This casserole is not designed to cook the chicken from raw. Using a rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- Don’t Thaw the Tater Tots: Add the tater tots to the casserole straight from the freezer. This ensures they cook up crispy and delicious on top.
- Even Layering: Make sure the tater tots are in a single, even layer at the bottom of the dish. This helps them get crispy on the top and prevents a soggy bottom.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the top is a beautiful golden-brown color and the center is hot and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own. The combination of protein, starch, and creamy sauce is incredibly satisfying. To balance the richness, serve it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans.
For a drink pairing, a light beer, a crisp hard cider, or a simple iced tea would be a great complement to the savory and cheesy flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a rich, indulgent meal that is higher in calories and fat due to the creamy ingredients, cheese, and bacon. However, it’s a great source of protein and provides carbohydrates from the tater tots. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that is perfect for a weekend treat or a cozy family dinner.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this casserole are fantastic! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, place it in a covered oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a recipe that is sure to become a cherished family favorite. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of classic flavors in a convenient casserole form is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments how you and your family enjoyed this cozy meal!
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