Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try. Imagine golden tater tots layered with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even as a game-day snack, this casserole combines all the best flavors in one irresistibly creamy, crunchy bake.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole 🧀🥓

This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of bacon and cheddar cheese with the creamy, tangy goodness of ranch dressing. Plus, the layer of crispy tater tots on top brings that satisfying crunch, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. The casserole is easy to assemble and bakes to perfection in just 30-35 minutes, giving you an incredibly delicious meal with minimal prep time.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped – Adds a smoky, crispy element that pairs perfectly with the ranch and cheese.
• 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts – Lean protein that adds heartiness and substance.
• 32 oz frozen tater tots – The base of this casserole; they bake to golden perfection and give each bite a satisfying crunch.
• ½ cup ranch dressing – For a creamy, tangy flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
• 1 cup milk – Helps make the sauce smooth and rich.
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – Acts as a thickener for the sauce.
• 3 tbsp butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese – The cheesy topping that brings everything together.
• Salt & pepper to taste – Enhances the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and develop a nice, golden top.
2. Cook the Bacon: If your bacon isn’t cooked yet, cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Then, chop them into small pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the Flour: Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture becomes bubbly and slightly thick. This is creating a roux, which will thicken your sauce.
3. Whisk in the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Ranch and Seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. This sauce will add creaminess and that signature ranch flavor to the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine the Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture will form the main filling of your casserole.
2. Add the Ranch Sauce: Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken mixture, stirring until everything is well combined. The sauce will coat the chicken and bacon, adding creaminess to each layer.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Baking Dish

1. Spread the Tater Tots: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer at the bottom of the dish. The tots will serve as the base and absorb the flavors as they bake.
2. Add the Chicken Mixture: Spoon the chicken, bacon, and cheese mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out to cover the tots evenly.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake

1. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture. This layer of cheese will melt and turn golden, creating a bubbly, cheesy topping.
2. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole hot, garnished with additional chopped bacon or a sprinkle of green onions if desired.

Tips and Variations 🍴

• Add More Veggies: Try adding some vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and texture. Chopped broccoli, bell peppers, or corn would pair well with the ranch and cheese.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker prep, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts.
• Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch sauce for a bit of heat.
• Swap the Cheese: While cheddar works wonderfully here, you can try Monterey Jack or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
• Use Turkey Bacon: Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a slightly lighter option.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to pair it with:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with a side of roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
• Bread Rolls: Soft rolls or garlic bread are perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve a small side of ranch dressing or sour cream for extra creaminess.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving) 🌟

While exact nutritional values can vary, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

This casserole is indulgent yet packed with protein from the chicken and bacon. While it’s a richer dish, it’s perfect for occasional comfort food meals or special gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

1. Can I use fresh tater tots instead of frozen?
   Yes, you can use fresh tater tots, though keep in mind that frozen tots are already partially cooked, so fresh ones may need additional baking time to become crispy.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Assemble the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the instructions as written.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option. The oven will help retain the casserole’s crispy texture.
5. Can I use another dressing instead of ranch?
   Sure! Caesar or blue cheese dressing would also work well, though they will change the flavor profile.

Perfect for Any Occasion 🎉

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is versatile and fun to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a satisfying game-day dish. With its creamy ranch sauce, crispy tater tots, and savory layers of chicken and bacon, this casserole hits all the right notes for a comfort food classic. It’s easy to customize and packed with flavor that will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just looking for a hearty meal to satisfy your cravings, this casserole is sure to please. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a dish that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite!