Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This casserole is so easy to throw together, and the best part is that you’ll only need one baking dish! Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your casserole cooks evenly and gets that crispy, golden topping.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken & Bacon

If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, now’s the time! Cook your chicken breast or thighs until fully cooked, then cube it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.

Cook your bacon in a skillet until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, sour cream (if using), and milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Add your chicken and bacon into the mixture, making sure everything is well coated.

Step 4: Layer the Tater Tots

Spread a layer of frozen tater tots evenly at the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will form the crispy, golden base of your casserole.

Step 5: Add the Chicken & Bacon Mixture

Spoon the creamy chicken and bacon mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly to cover the tots. Be sure to get the chicken and bacon evenly distributed.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and get bubbly, adding that perfect gooey texture to the dish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll want the tater tots to be golden and crispy, and the cheese to be melted and bubbly. The casserole should be hot all the way through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil and continue baking.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions with a spatula, making sure to get some of the crispy tater tots, cheesy chicken, and bacon in every bite. Serve it up hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To make this dish even easier, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s a huge time-saver and still adds great flavor.
• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Add some frozen peas, corn, or even chopped spinach into the casserole mixture. It’s a great way to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
• Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would all work wonderfully in this casserole.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some jalapeños into the mixture to give it a spicy kick.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

• Comfort in a Dish: The crispy tater tots on top, creamy chicken, bacon, and cheesy goodness make this casserole the ultimate comfort food.
• Great for Leftovers: This casserole makes excellent leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and you can reheat it for a quick and easy meal later in the week.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a family gathering, Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole will surely be a crowd-pleaser every time.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love this dish because of the crispy tater tots and cheesy, bacon-packed filling. It’s a great way to get them excited about dinner!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is everything you could want in a meal—creamy, cheesy, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect comfort food to satisfy your cravings, and it’s so easy to make. With its crispy tater tot topping and delicious filling, it’s a dish that will have your family coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

The next time you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss dinner that everyone will love, this casserole should be your go-to recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious—what’s not to love?