Introduction
If you love creamy, cheesy, and crispy comfort food, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a must-try! It's packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and golden tater tots—all smothered in a rich ranch-flavored sauce.
This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game days. Plus, it's a great way to use leftover chicken! Let's dive into this irresistible recipe.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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1 (16 oz) bag frozen tater tots
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1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
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¾ cup ranch dressing
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½ cup sour cream
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon salt
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2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Ranch Mixture
In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
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Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and mix to coat it in the ranch mixture.
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Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chicken.
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Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
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Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the tater tots.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
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Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and bake for another 5 minutes until melted.
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Garnish with chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
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Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
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Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
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Make it low-carb by using cauliflower tots instead of tater tots.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
2. Can I freeze Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze it before baking, then thaw overnight and bake as directed.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of tater tots?
Yes! Dice and pre-cook them before layering in the casserole.
5. What sides go well with this dish?
A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great pairings.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s creamy, cheesy, crispy, and full of flavor. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Try it today and let us know how you like it!
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