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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
- 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.
- Gently incorporate frozen tater tots into the mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated and spread throughout the creamy blend.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top and create an even layer.
- 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.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- 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