Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Description

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Crispy tater tots on top of a creamy, cheesy chicken and bacon filling make this dish irresistible. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, potluck, or anytime you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. With the creamy ranch flavor, savory chicken, and salty bacon, every bite is packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the casserole:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie works great)

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or homemade cream sauce)

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

Optional toppings:

  • Extra shredded cheese

  • Chopped green onions

  • Parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble. Set aside.

  3. Prepare chicken mixture:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, mozzarella (if using), onion, garlic, and crumbled bacon.

    • Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Assemble the casserole:

    • Spread the chicken mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

    • Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the chicken mixture.

  5. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.

  6. Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy layer.

  7. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Serving Size

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Serving suggestion: Serve with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 480

  • Protein: 28g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

  • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Sodium: 850mg

Notes & Tips

  • Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken breasts work best.

  • Crispier tots: Bake uncovered or broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake before serving.

  • Ranch flavor: Add extra ranch seasoning if you like it more pronounced.

  • Cheese swap: Pepper jack or Colby can be used for a flavor twist.

Benefits

  • High in protein from chicken and cheese

  • Satisfying comfort meal with balanced carbs and fats

  • Can include vegetables in the mix (peas, corn, or broccoli) for extra nutrients

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes! Just thaw and cook it first. Raw frozen chicken should not be added directly.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute sour cream with a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese, and replace cream of chicken soup with a plant-based cream soup.

Q: Can this be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for ~50–60 minutes.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes! Green beans, corn, peas, or broccoli work well. Add them to the chicken mixture before topping with tater tots.

Q: How to make it lower carb?
A: Substitute tater tots with cauliflower tots or roasted cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.

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