Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy tater tots, creamy ranch-infused chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. This casserole is rich, hearty, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients

• Frozen tater tots (32 oz) – The crispy, golden topping.
• Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can) – Adds a creamy, savory base.
• Sour cream (1 cup) – Enhances creaminess and tang.
• Ranch dressing (⅔ cup) – Provides that signature ranch flavor.
• Ranch dressing mix (1 oz packet) – Boosts the seasoning profile.
• Cracked black pepper (½ tsp) – Adds mild spice and depth.
• Granulated garlic (½ tsp) – Enhances the savory flavor.
• Rotisserie chicken (5 cups, shredded) – Makes prep easy and adds protein.
• Sharp Cheddar cheese (4 oz, shredded) – Melts beautifully for a cheesy bite.
• Cooked bacon (1 ¼ cups, crumbled, about 10 slices) – Crispy and smoky goodness.
• Sliced scallions – For a fresh, slightly sharp garnish.
• Cooking spray – To prevent sticking.

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 450°F (200°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Bake the Tater Tots – Spread tater tots on a baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 375°F (190°C).
3. Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture – In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch dressing, ranch mix, black pepper, and granulated garlic.
4. Combine Ingredients – Fold in shredded chicken, Cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of the cooked bacon until fully coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole – Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with crispy tater tots.
6. Bake – Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges.
7. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup bacon on top and garnish with scallions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Health Benefits

• High in protein – 49g per serving from chicken, cheese, and bacon.
• Rich in healthy fats – Provides sustained energy (though best enjoyed in moderation!).
• Satisfying comfort food – A filling meal that is great for feeding a crowd.
• Customizable – Can be made healthier with light ranch, Greek yogurt, or turkey bacon.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Great as leftovers! Perfect for next-day lunch reheating.
• Try with a dipping sauce like extra ranch or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Creative Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
• Mexican Twist – Swap ranch for taco seasoning and use pepper jack cheese.
• Low-Carb Version – Replace tater tots with roasted cauliflower or mashed cauliflower.
• Extra Cheesy – Mix in Mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a richer cheese blend.
• Buffalo Style – Add ¼ cup Buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy variation.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Reheat Properly – For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Pro Tips

• Bake tater tots first for a crispier texture—don’t skip this step!
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
• Don’t overmix the chicken mixture to keep the texture creamy.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and thicken slightly.
• Add extra cheese on top for an even cheesier experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen or fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes! You can use boiled, baked, or grilled chicken—just shred or chop before using.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon for a healthier version.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the tater tots, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add tots just before baking.

Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely! Try Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Gouda, or a Mexican blend for different flavors.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the tots crispy. The microwave works too but may soften the texture.

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is creamy, cheesy, crispy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this casserole is always a hit

Print