The Best Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe Ever

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend into a delightful meal everyone craves.

Layers of crispy potato tots create a golden, crunchy foundation for tender chicken and smoky bacon.

Creamy ranch seasoning weaves through each delectable bite, making every forkful irresistible.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become something special with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Cheesy and indulgent, this casserole brings warmth to your table and smiles to hungry faces.

You won’t believe how simple yet delicious this recipe can be – grab a fork and dive in!

Tasty Versions Of Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace tater tots with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy, cheesy essence of the original dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Patch: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or grilled portobello mushrooms, keeping the ranch sauce and bacon for non-vegetarian guests.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and cream of chicken soup to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty, kicked-up flavor profile.

Pairing Ideas For Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Pair Zesty Beer with Hearty Brew: Cold, hoppy craft beer cuts through the richness of the cheesy, bacon-loaded casserole, refreshing the palate with each crisp sip.
• Complement with Crisp Chardonnay: Smooth, buttery white wine balances the savory bacon and creamy ranch sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Serve with Tangy Sparkling Cider: Light, effervescent apple cider provides a bright counterpoint to the heavy, indulgent casserole, cleansing the mouth between bites.
• Match with Zesty Pinot Noir: Light-bodied red wine offers subtle fruit notes that complement the smoky bacon and creamy chicken, creating a harmonious dining experience.

How To Store Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and food safety.
• Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen casserole in refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent burning, heat for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

Your Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole FAQ

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most children love tater tots, cheese, and bacon, making this dish a total crowd-pleaser that will have kids asking for seconds.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-sodium cream of chicken soup to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining delicious flavor.

Why Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Is A Weeknight Favorite

• Create Comfort Quickly: A hearty one-dish meal that combines crispy tater tots, tender chicken, and savory bacon in a creamy ranch sauce for ultimate satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a delicious, filling casserole that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple layering technique requires basic cooking skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels while delivering restaurant-worthy taste.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding extra cheese, swapping proteins, or incorporating different seasonings to match individual preferences.

What You Need For Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Frozen Tater Tots: Crispy potato bites that form the foundation and topping of the casserole.
• Chicken: Protein-rich protein that adds substantial flavor and texture to the dish.
• Bacon: Salty and crisp meat that brings a smoky depth to the casserole.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that provides a tangy and herbal flavor profile.
• Buttermilk: Creamy liquid that contributes to the sauce's rich and smooth consistency.
• Sour Cream: Tangy dairy ingredient that enhances the sauce's creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Condensed soup that helps create a thick and savory sauce base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, gooey layer.
• Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a bright, crisp garnish to the finished casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and dish.

Steps To Cook Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to a toasty 375°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook The Bacon

Toss bacon into a skillet and sizzle over medium heat until it transforms into crispy, golden perfection. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain away excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté The Chicken

Using the same skillet with bacon remnants, cook the chicken pieces until they’re completely done and no longer show any pink. Sprinkle with salt and pepper while cooking for extra flavor.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Sauce

• Ranch seasoning mix
• Buttermilk
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Build The First Layer

Spread half of the frozen tater tots across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a crispy base for the casserole.

Step 6: Add Protein Layers

Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the tater tots, then sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces on top.

Step 7: Pour The Sauce

Drench the entire layer with the creamy ranch sauce, making sure every inch is covered.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

Shower the surface with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 9: Top With Remaining Tater Tots

Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the cheese, creating a golden and crunchy crown.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Look for deep golden tater tots and bubbling cheese as your signal of doneness.

Step 11: Rest And Set

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and the dish to set up nicely.

Step 12: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty finish. Scoop and enjoy your ultimate comfort food creation!

Helpful Tips For Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

• Bacon Blotting Trick: Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, ensuring a crispy texture without sogginess.
• Chicken Seasoning Secret: Use salt and pepper while cooking chicken to build layers of flavor throughout the dish.
• Sauce Smoothing Technique: Whisk ranch mixture thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a silky, even coating.
• Layering Pro Tip: Distribute ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite, ensuring tater tots, chicken, and bacon are spread across the entire casserole.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Allow cheese to bubble and brown slightly for maximum flavor and appetizing golden color.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole delivers comfort food paradise with creamy layers of savory ingredients. Crispy potato tots crown this irresistible midwestern classic that promises pure satisfaction when you gather around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, diced
• 0.5 lb bacon, chopped

Ranch Mix:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 0.25 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup sour cream

Base and Topping:

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. In a skillet, crisp the bacon over medium heat until golden and perfectly rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté the diced chicken until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper during cooking.
4. Whisk together ranch seasoning mix, buttermilk, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, creating a creamy and tangy sauce base for the casserole.
5. Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with half of the frozen tater tots, creating a crispy foundation for the casserole.
6. Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the tater tot layer, followed by the crispy bacon pieces.
7. Pour the ranch sauce mixture completely over the chicken and bacon, ensuring thorough coverage.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire surface, providing a melty and rich topping.
9. Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the cheese layer, creating a crunchy and golden crown.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the tater tots are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld.
12. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap tater tots with sweet potato tots for a healthier twist that adds extra nutrients and a slightly different flavor profile.
• Replace bacon with turkey bacon or omit entirely for a lighter, lower-fat version that still maintains incredible taste.
• Enhance dairy-free options by using coconut-based sour cream and cashew milk ranch seasoning to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Maximize flavor by letting the casserole sit for 15 minutes after baking, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deeper, richer taste sensations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg