Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole 🍗🥓🥔

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots, savory chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd—or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or need an easy weeknight meal, this casserole has got you covered!

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food at Its Best : Crispy tater tots meet creamy ranch sauce and cheesy goodness.
2. Customizable : Add extra ingredients like veggies, jalapeños, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
3. Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.
4. Kid-Friendly : Kids love the combination of tater tots, cheese, and ranch flavors.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

• 6 slices cooked bacon , chopped
• 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts (about 3 cups )
• 32 oz. frozen tater tots (about 1 bag )
• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese )
• Salt & pepper , to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Make the Ranch Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute , stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes .
4. Stir in the ranch dressing and half of the shredded cheese (¾ cup ). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the chicken.
3. Pour the ranch sauce evenly over the chicken and bacon, spreading it out with a spatula.
4. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer on top of the casserole.
5. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese (¾ cup ) over the tater tots for a gooey, cheesy topping.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes , or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the sauce is bubbly.
2. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with additional chopped bacon or fresh parsley if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken : Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken.
2. Add Veggies : Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze the unbaked casserole (without the tater tots) for up to 3 months. Add the tater tots before baking.
5. Extra Crispiness : For extra-crispy tater tots, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Perfect Pairings

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Side Salad : A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Hot Sauce : Offer hot sauce or buffalo sauce for those who like a spicy kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~35g
• Fat : ~25g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty, indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its crispy tater tot topping, creamy ranch sauce, and savory chicken-bacon filling, it’s comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy and satisfying, this casserole is the perfect solution. So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite!