Description
This Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tater tots. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection and is topped with fresh green onions for a tasty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 slices cooked crumbled bacon
Topping
- 5 cups frozen tater tots
- 2 slices cooked crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and dry ranch seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined to create a creamy base.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese and half of the cooked, crumbled bacon into the chicken mixture. This adds smoky flavor and creaminess.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the chicken and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly for uniform cooking. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon over the top for extra bacon goodness.
- Layer Tater Tots: Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the bacon and chicken mixture, covering the top completely.
- First Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook through and begin crisping the tater tots.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Final Bake: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- For extra crispy tater tots, you can briefly air fry or pan-fry them before layering.
- Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Adjust ranch seasoning amount to taste depending on preference for tanginess and spice.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Ensure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
