Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that perfectly combines savory flavors with crispy textures. This casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and crispy tater tots, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a hearty and satisfying meal.
I first made this casserole for a family gathering. With a mix of picky eaters and hearty appetites, I needed a dish that everyone would love. This casserole did the trick. The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing was a hit, and the crispy tater tots added the perfect finishing touch. Since then, it has become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when I need to prepare something delicious yet simple. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, knowing it will bring joy and satisfaction to your table as it has to mine.
Ingredients
6 slices of cooked bacon or microwave bacon
4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts
32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp butter
1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). This high temperature will help the tater tots become crispy.
Cook and Shred the Chicken:
Cook the chicken breasts in a separate pan until they are fully cooked through. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes, then shred it using a mixer or two forks. This step ensures the chicken is ready to be layered into the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Ranch Sauce
Melt the Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. This forms the base of your creamy ranch sauce.
Whisk in the Flour:
Once the butter is melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and has a slightly thickened consistency. This roux will help thicken the sauce.
Add Milk and Season:
Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk, pouring a little bit at a time to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate the Ranch Dressing:
Stir in 1/2 cup of ranch dressing into the creamy mixture. Mix well until everything is fully combined. This adds a rich, tangy flavor to the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Ingredients:
Start by spreading the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken, ensuring it covers all the chicken evenly.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mild cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Add a layer of frozen tater tots over the cheese, spreading them out to cover the entire dish.
Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, uncovered. This initial baking time allows the tater tots to start crisping up.
Step 4: Add the Bacon and Cheese
Prepare the Bacon:
While the casserole is baking, cook the bacon slices if you haven’t already. Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
Check the Tater Tots:
After 20 minutes, check that the tater tots are golden and crispy. If not, allow them to bake for a few more minutes.
Add Remaining Cheese and Bacon:
Once the tater tots are golden and crispy, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese.
Bake Until Melted:
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Cool Slightly:
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the layers set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the casserole into portions and serve hot. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this satisfying dish.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based bacon alternative.
Different Cheeses: Try using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a few diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch sauce for some heat.
Healthier Version: Use low-fat cheese and a light ranch dressing to reduce calories. You can also use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, creamy ranch sauce, and crispy tater tots topped with melted cheese is simply irresistible.
This recipe’s appeal lies in its simplicity and the ability to prepare it ahead of time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty and satisfying meal. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for easy customization to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious casserole with your loved ones, and savor the joy and comfort it brings to your mealtime.
