If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole is about to become your new obsession. Loaded with crispy tots, savory chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy ranch, it’s the kind of dish that makes seconds (and thirds) a must. Keep reading to discover how easy it is to bring this irresistible casserole to your table.
| Servings: | 6 |
| Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 40 minutes |
| Total Time: | 55 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 1 portion |
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 ounces
- 2 green onions sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon
- Oven
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a swipe of butter and set it aside. This prevents sticking and helps everything bake up golden and bubbly.
- In a large bowl, mix the base: Combine the shredded chicken, dry ranch seasoning packet, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until everything is well blended. I often add a little pinch of pepper here, just to balance the richness.
- Add half the cheese and bacon into the mixture. This little trick gives you delightfully cheesy bites throughout the casserole rather than just the top.
- Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula. Try to make it flat and compact so the tater tots sit evenly on top and crisp uniformly.
- Top it with tater tots. Arrange your frozen tater tots in a single layer across the surface. I like to keep them grid-style for a crispy golden top and charming presentation. It takes a minute but makes a difference!
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and bacon evenly over the tots. This allows both cheese and bacon to caramelize beautifully during baking.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the tater tots are golden brown and crisp. The smells coming from your oven will be your best timer.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly and makes serving much easier.
- Garnish with green onions for a pop of color and freshness right before taking it to the table.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings all your favorite flavors together in one irresistibly cheesy, golden-topped bake. Picture layers of tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon pieces, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, melted cheddar, and a crown of crunchy tater tots. It is the kind of dish that instantly brings the family to the table with its mouthwatering aroma wafting through the kitchen.
There is something nostalgic about baked casseroles, and this one is no exception. It feels like a Sunday dinner at Grandma’s but with a fun, modern twist. Each bite offers a balance of creamy and crispy, smoky and savory. Whether you’re gathering on game day, hosting a casual potluck, or just craving a cozy, no-fuss meal, this tater tot casserole delivers soul-satisfying warmth that will keep everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a busy cook’s dream — quick to prep, easy to customize, and always crowd-pleasing. Using pre-cooked chicken and frozen tater tots slashes time in the kitchen while still delivering big on flavor. You can assemble it ahead and bake when needed, making it perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry weekend crowd.
It’s also incredibly flexible. Swap in turkey for chicken or use your favorite cheese blend. Want to sneak in some veggies? Toss in a handful of frozen peas or broccoli florets, and no one will know the difference. Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, this dish hits the mark every time.
Serving and Storage Tips
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
To freeze, wrap the unbaked or baked casserole tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking. You can also prep the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and bake just before serving time.
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shredded chicken?
Yes. Just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before mixing into the casserole to avoid too much moisture in the dish.
What can I use if I do not have ranch seasoning on hand?
You can make your own by combining garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried parsley, a bit of salt, and black pepper. It’s not exact, but it adds a similar herby punch.
Can I use different frozen potatoes instead of tater tots?
Absolutely. Diced hash browns or crispy crowns work well, though the texture and appearance will be slightly different. Just make sure they are fully frozen when you layer them on top.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped
- 1 bag frozen tater tots 32 ounces
- 2 green onions sliced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix until everything is fully incorporated.
- Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon into the chicken mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single even layer on top of the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and chopped bacon evenly over the tater tots.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
