Introduction
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together crispy tater tots, creamy ranch-seasoned chicken, smoky bacon, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add the shredded chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cooked, crumbled bacon over the top.
- Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve hot with a side of ranch dressing, hot sauce, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Colby for a unique twist.
- For extra crunch, bake the tater tots separately for 10 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Add veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for more texture and nutrients.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked casserole by wrapping it tightly and storing for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for the whole family. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table! 🍗🥓🧀
