Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch-flavored sauce, and golden tater tots, all topped with gooey melted cheese. With minimal prep time and lots of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave a cozy, satisfying meal.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Classic Flavor Combo: Chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing make a tried-and-true pairing, with each ingredient adding its own burst of flavor.
2. Tater Tot Base: Tater tots offer a crispy, savory layer that soaks up the creamy sauce while remaining satisfyingly crunchy.
3. Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, or freeze for a convenient, prepped meal when you need it.

Ingredients

6 slices cooked bacon, chopped – Adds a smoky, salty flavor.

4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts – Use rotisserie or any leftover chicken for ease.

32 oz. frozen tater tots – Crispy and convenient as a base layer.

½ cup ranch dressing – Adds tangy creaminess to the sauce.

1 cup milk – Forms the base of the sauce.

2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce.

3 tbsp butter – Adds richness to the sauce.

1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese – Melts on top for a deliciously cheesy finish.

Salt & pepper, to taste – Enhances flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help the casserole bake evenly and brown perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already cooked it, fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then chop.

Step 3: Make the Ranch Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Flour: Stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
3. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps and helps create a smooth sauce.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
5. Mix in Ranch Dressing: Add the ranch dressing, salt, and pepper, stirring until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix the Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and half of the cheddar cheese.
2. Add the Ranch Sauce: Pour the prepared ranch sauce over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly over the bottom of the dish.
3. Add Chicken Mixture: Pour the chicken-bacon mixture over the tater tots, spreading evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 30-35 Minutes: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Cool Slightly: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy! Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips for Success

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already seasoned and tender, making it ideal for casseroles.
2. Frozen Tater Tots Work Best: No need to thaw them first – they’ll crisp up nicely during baking.
3. Add Veggies for Variation: For extra flavor and texture, mix in some frozen peas or corn with the chicken and bacon mixture.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the ranch sauce for a little heat.
2. Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a sharp cheddar for a unique twist.
3. Add Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top after baking for color and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

1. Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezer: Freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
3. Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
   Yes, but frozen tater tots work best since they crisp up better without overcooking.
2. Can I substitute the ranch dressing?
   If you’re not a fan of ranch, try substituting it with Caesar or blue cheese dressing.
3. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
   Absolutely! Shredded turkey works well and is a great way to use up holiday leftovers.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: ~450 kcal

Carbohydrates: 35g

Fat: 28g

Protein: 20g

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is bound to become a family favorite. With its hearty mix of chicken, bacon, cheese, and ranch-infused sauce over a tater tot base, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Make it tonight, and enjoy the cozy, satisfying flavors!

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