Few dishes capture comfort quite like a casserole, especially one packed with flavors as irresistible as chicken, bacon, ranch, and crispy tater tots. The Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a delightful combination of rich, creamy ranch dressing, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all topped with a golden crust of perfectly baked tater tots. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings. This dish is simple to make yet delivers a satisfying flavor punch with every bite, making it an instant favorite among both kids and adults.
Why We Love This Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole has so much going for it that it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Here’s why we love it:
- Comfort Food Perfection: With shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch, and melted cheddar cheese, every ingredient brings comfort and satisfaction to this dish. It’s the perfect cozy meal for any season.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids adore tater tots, cheese, and bacon, making this casserole a big hit for families. Even picky eaters find something to love in this dish.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add in vegetables, switch up the cheese, or adjust the level of ranch dressing to suit your family’s preferences.
- Easy to Prepare: This casserole is straightforward to assemble, and there’s no complicated prep work involved. Simply layer the ingredients, bake, and enjoy.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish heats up beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can even freeze leftovers to enjoy on a busy night.
Ingredients:
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
- 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts
- 32 oz. frozen tater tots
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Begin by cooking the bacon until crispy, then chop it into small pieces. For the chicken, you can either cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them or use a rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Ranch Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux that thickens the sauce. Slowly add the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Stir in the ranch dressing, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the chicken, followed by an even layer of frozen tater tots on top. Pour the ranch cheese sauce over the ingredients in the baking dish, covering as much as possible. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tater tots are golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and melted. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Success Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken, which is already cooked, moist, and flavorful.
- Keep the Tater Tots Frozen: Frozen tater tots hold their shape better and stay crispier during baking. Thawed tots can turn mushy.
- Cheese Variety: While cheddar works perfectly, you can switch it up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a combination of cheeses for added flavor.
- Add Veggies: For a more nutritious twist, layer in some cooked broccoli, peas, or even sautéed bell peppers before adding the tater tots.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Make sure each layer is even, especially the tater tots, so they cook and crisp up evenly.
- Let it Rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut.
Storage
This casserole can be easily stored and reheated:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the casserole tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual servings in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the tater tots.
Notes
- Saltiness: Since bacon and ranch dressing are salty, you may not need additional salt. Taste as you go, especially with the cheese sauce, and adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and ensure the ranch dressing is gluten-free if you’re looking to adapt this dish for dietary needs.
- Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, increase the flour to 3 tbsp. For a thinner sauce, reduce the flour slightly.
Nutrition
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a comfort food indulgence that offers a balance of protein and carbs. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on six servings):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fiber: 3g
Nutritional values will vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for ranch dressing? Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to ranch dressing and provides a creamy texture. You might want to add some dried herbs like dill, chives, and parsley to mimic the ranch flavor.
What are some side dishes that go well with this casserole? This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a light side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
Can I use sweet potato tater tots? Absolutely! Sweet potato tots add a hint of sweetness and a boost of fiber and nutrients. Just keep in mind that they may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them while baking.
How do I make this casserole vegetarian? To make this dish vegetarian, omit the chicken and bacon. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Substitute with vegetarian bacon if you like.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, loaded with crispy tater tots, savory bacon, tender chicken, and creamy ranch-infused cheese sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, game day, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole has all the comforting flavors that make mealtime memorable. Its simplicity and versatility mean you can enjoy it just as it is or customize it to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll find it quickly becomes a family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again!