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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- 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.
- Using the same skillet, sauté the diced chicken until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper during cooking.
- Whisk together ranch seasoning mix, buttermilk, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, creating a creamy and tangy sauce base for the casserole.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with half of the frozen tater tots, creating a crispy foundation for the casserole.
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the tater tot layer, followed by the crispy bacon pieces.
- Pour the ranch sauce mixture completely over the chicken and bacon, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire surface, providing a melty and rich topping.
- Arrange the remaining tater tots on top of the cheese layer, creating a crunchy and golden crown.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the tater tots are deeply golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld.
- 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