Addictive Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Savor the irresistible comfort of a cracked out chicken tater tot casserole that blends hearty flavors into one mouthwatering dish.

Layers of crispy potatoes and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for cozy nights.

Cheesy goodness melts between each golden tot, promising a crowd-pleasing experience.

Bacon adds a smoky punch that elevates every single bite.

Rich cream cheese mingles with ranch seasoning, infusing deep, zesty notes throughout the casserole.

Simple ingredients come together in a culinary symphony that feels like a warm hug.

What Makes Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole So Popular

• Savor Comfort Food Delight: Indulge in a hearty casserole that combines crispy tater tots, tender chicken, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Throw together ingredients in one bowl, mix, and bake – no complicated techniques required, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious dinner solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Packed with crowd-favorite ingredients like bacon, cheese, and ranch, this casserole guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even the pickiest eaters with its irresistible flavor combination.
• Versatile Family Feast: Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this dish adapts easily to different occasions and always leaves everyone feeling happy and well-fed.

Ingredients for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Chicken: Cooked and chopped to provide the main protein foundation for the casserole.
• Bacon: Chopped pieces that add a savory and smoky flavor to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Cream of Chicken Soup, Cheddar Cheese: These ingredients create a rich and creamy base that binds the casserole together.

• Tater Tots, Ranch Dressing Mix: Frozen tater tots add a crispy texture and golden brown top, while ranch dressing mix provides a tangy and herbal seasoning.

• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: These can be sprinkled on top to add a fresh and colorful finishing touch.

How to Make Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Crank up the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking spray to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Filling

• Chopped cooked chicken
• Sour cream
• Cream of chicken soup
• Ranch dressing mix
• Chopped bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until it’s one delectable, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Add Crunchy Tater Tots

Gently fold in the frozen tater tots, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the creamy goodness. These little potato nuggets will provide an irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Spread in Baking Pan

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a mouth-watering layer of cheesy, bacony deliciousness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly casserole with golden brown, crispy tater tots on top.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Dish up this incredible Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole while it’s hot. Get ready for some serious compliments from your hungry crowd!

Pro Tips for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Swap Protein Wisely: Replace chicken with turkey, ham, or tofu for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Crisp Tater Tots Perfectly: Arrange tots in a single layer on top for maximum crunchiness and even browning.
• Reduce Sodium Smartly: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish healthier.
• Prep Ahead Efficiently: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Boost Veggie Content: Mix in chopped broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add extra color.

Variation Ideas for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Vegetarian Tater Tot Casserole: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or vegetarian chicken substitute. Maintain all other ingredients for similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, verify ranch mix is gluten-free, and ensure bacon is plain without added gluten-containing ingredients. Replace regular tater tots with certified gluten-free potato rounds.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Select low-sodium cream of chicken soup, reduced-sodium ranch mix, and use reduced-salt bacon. Consider turkey bacon for lower sodium content while maintaining similar taste experience.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free cheese alternative, and select dairy-free cream of chicken soup. Ensure all other ingredients remain consistent with original recipe for maximum flavor retention.

Pairing Suggestions for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Coleslaw: Create a tangy, crunchy side that cuts through the richness of the cheesy, bacon-loaded casserole with a fresh cabbage and carrot slaw dressed in a light vinaigrette.
• Complement with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a slightly oaked Chardonnay with bright acidity to balance the heavy, savory flavors of the dish and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, cool cucumber salad with dill and a touch of vinegar to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, creamy casserole.
• Serve with Light Beer Pairing: Choose a crisp pilsner or light lager that will help cut through the richness and provide a clean, refreshing accompaniment to the indulgent casserole.

Storage Tips for Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

FAQs About Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the casserole. Just shred or chop the meat and mix it into the other ingredients.

• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, and turkey bacon to cut down on calories and fat while maintaining great flavor.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.

Cracked Out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cracked out chicken tater tot casserole delivers pure comfort with its cheesy, crispy layers of savory goodness. Southern-style magic combines creamy chicken, melted cheese, and golden tater tots for a crowd-pleasing dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (709 ml) chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped cooked bacon
• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded cheddar cheese

Creamy Base:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) sour cream
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) package ranch dressing mix

Starch:

• 1 (30 to 32 ounces / 850 to 907 grams) bag frozen tater tots

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
2. Create a flavorful base by combining shredded chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl, stirring until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Gently incorporate frozen tater tots into the mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated and spread throughout the creamy blend.
4. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer.
5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust on the tater tots and bubbling edges that indicate the casserole is heated through.
6. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
7. Garnish with optional fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions for added color and flavor before serving the piping hot casserole to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Substitute bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon bits to reduce saturated fat and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Consider using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version without compromising flavor.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling ingredients and refrigerating overnight, then bake directly from the cold state for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg