Sizzling Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Comfort food meets pure indulgence in this mouthwatering chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole that promises to delight every hungry soul at the table.

Crispy golden tots nestle between layers of tender chicken and smoky bacon, creating a hearty meal packed with irresistible flavors.

Creamy ranch seasoning weaves its magic through each delectable bite, ensuring maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crowd-pleasing dish delivers big on taste and simplicity.

Home cooks can whip up this casserole with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

Cheesy, savory, and utterly addictive, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when only serious comfort food will do.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this casserole becomes an instant family favorite.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole for Comfort

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal everyone will adore, from kids to adults.
• Minimal Prep Power: Quickly combine ingredients, layer in a dish, and let the oven do the heavy lifting with minimal hands-on cooking effort.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a satisfying one-pan dinner that requires zero complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines classic ranch, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and golden tater tots into a deliciously indulgent experience that feels like a restaurant-quality treat at home.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Ingredient Essentials

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides the primary protein base for the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cream of Chicken Soup, Colby Jack Cheese: These ingredients create a rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

• Tater Tots: Frozen potato nuggets that create a crispy, golden topping.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning: Adds a zesty and herbal flavor to the casserole.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a mild onion flavor and adds color to the dish.

Assembling Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab your baking dish and generously coat it with cooking spray or butter.

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) so it’s ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Condensed cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Dry ranch seasoning
• Colby Jack cheese

Stir everything until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Build Casserole Base

Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle half of the crispy bacon pieces over the top, creating a delightful flavor layer.

Step 4: Arrange Tater Tot Topping

Carefully place frozen tater tots in a neat, even layer covering the entire chicken mixture.

Make sure they’re snugly arranged for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, then quickly sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and tater tots turn golden and crisp.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven.

Shower the top with remaining bacon crumbles and fresh green onion slices.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and bubbling.

Tips for Crispy Tater Tots and Creamy Layers

• Ensure your oven is precisely preheated to 375F for even cooking and perfect tater tot crispiness.
• Crisp bacon beforehand for maximum flavor and optimal texture in the casserole.
• Sprinkle cheese during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning and achieve golden, gooey perfection.
• Replace dairy ingredients with coconut milk, vegan cheese, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup for lactose-intolerant friends.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient entertaining.

Fun Additions to Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Ranch Tater Tot Bake: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or black beans, using vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Swap regular tater tots with gluten-free potato tots and use gluten-free ranch seasoning mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Casserole: Add diced green chiles, replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute tater tots with roasted cauliflower florets and use less cheese to create a lower-carbohydrate version of the original recipe.

How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Best

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a fun buffet-style spread with extra ranch dressing, mixed green salad, and crispy vegetable sticks for dipping.
• Comfort Food Combo: Pair the casserole with tangy coleslaw or quick pickles to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a zesty crunch.
• Game Day Delight: Serve on large platters during sports events, with additional bacon bits, hot sauce, and extra green onions as topping options for guests to customize their portions.
• Family-Style Feast: Accompany the dish with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide extra filling side options.

Keeping Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole Tasty Overnight

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely in heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Is this casserole good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap shredded chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even pulled pork. The ranch seasoning and cheese will complement any protein you choose.

• What if I don't have ranch seasoning mix?

No problem. You can make a homemade ranch seasoning using dried dill, dried chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices to create a similar flavor profile.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole, where crispy potatoes, tender chicken, and savory bacon mingle with creamy ranch goodness. Hearty and satisfying, you’ll savor every cheesy, flavorful bite of this irresistible midwestern-style comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded colby jack cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning

Topping and Garnish:

• 5 cups frozen tater tots
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and set oven temperature to 375F (190C), lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Create a creamy mixture by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dry ranch seasoning, and a portion of Colby Jack cheese until smooth and uniform.
3. Distribute the chicken mixture evenly across the greased baking dish, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
4. Scatter the first half of crumbled bacon pieces over the chicken layer, providing initial flavor depth.
5. Carefully arrange frozen tater tots in a precise, overlapping grid pattern to maximize coverage and crispiness.
6. Place the casserole in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and cook thoroughly.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the tater tots, returning the dish to the oven for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and tots turn golden brown.
8. Remove casserole from oven and immediately garnish with remaining bacon crumbles and freshly sliced green onions.
9. Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to slightly cool.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh bacon to create a lighter, healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor and crunch.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
• Enhance nutrition by adding diced vegetables like broccoli or spinach directly into the chicken mixture for extra vitamins and color.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños before baking to give the casserole a zesty twist.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg