Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines everything you love—crispy tater tots, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and tangy ranch dressing—all baked together into a golden, bubbly casserole. This dish is a hit for family dinners, potlucks, or even game-day gatherings. With its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and satisfying crunch, it’s a meal that both kids and adults adore.

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In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making this decadent casserole, from preparing the ingredients to perfecting the golden crust.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible combination of flavors appeals to everyone.
2. Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this a stress-free dinner option.
3. Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when ready.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
2. Shred the Chicken: Use a fork or your hands to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine Cheeses: In a bowl, mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Reserve 1 cup for topping.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch dressing.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Chicken: Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Add the Bacon: Sprinkle half of the crumbled bacon over the chicken layer.
3. Mix in the Creamy Sauce: Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and bacon, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
4. Top with Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the creamy base.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the reserved cup of shredded cheese on top of the tater tots.

Step 5: Bake

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and green onions over the top of the casserole.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
2. Crispy Tater Tots: For extra crispy tots, bake them separately for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
3. Cheese Variations: Try using pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist.
4. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick.

Variations

Healthier Option

• Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use low-fat cheese.
• Swap tater tots for cauliflower tots to cut down on carbs.

Vegetarian Version

• Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chicken substitute.
• Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup.

Deluxe Casserole

• Add a layer of steamed broccoli or green beans for added veggies.
• Sprinkle fried onions or crushed potato chips on top for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right sides can enhance your dining experience.

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Simple Sides

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing, crisp salad balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Green beans, carrots, or peas are great options.

Bread Pairings

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls add a comforting touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as instructed when ready.

Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
A: Absolutely! Thinly slice or dice fresh potatoes and par-cook them before layering them in the casserole.

Q: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?
A: Ensure the tater tots are frozen when adding them, and bake uncovered at the end to crisp up the top.

Conclusion

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with its creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness. Customize it to your liking, pair it with simple sides, and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will rave about.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

2. Mix the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ranch seasoning mix, crumbled bacon, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup.
2. Stir until well combined.

3. Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the top of the chicken mixture.
3. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

4. Bake the Casserole

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, and serve warm.

6. Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
2. Add a dollop of sour cream or ranch dressing on top for extra flavor.

Notes

• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• Alternative Cheese: Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with a plant-based alternative and use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup.

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