Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole

Name: Chicken Bacon Ranch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
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.

Imagine pulling a hot casserole out of the oven, the top layer of tater tots perfectly golden and crispy 🥔. Beneath that crunchy exterior lies a creamy, flavorful mix of tender chicken pieces, crispy bacon bits, and a silky ranch dressing that binds everything together in a harmonious blend. The secret to this dish's success lies in the balance of textures and flavors - the savory bacon, the juicy chicken, and the tangy ranch, all complemented by the comforting crunch of tater tots. It's not just a casserole; it's a journey through a landscape of taste and texture that's both familiar and thrillingly new. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch, followed by the rich, comforting flavors that only a combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch can provide. It's a dish that promises to bring smiles to the table, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of comfort food magic ✨.

Featured in Evening meals for every day.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.

By Zaho

Updated on Sat, 04 Jan 2025 03:15:58 GMT

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots, all smothered in a creamy ranch sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to feed a crowd or a simple dish to enjoy at home, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Let's dive into the ingredients that make this casserole so special.

Ingredients

Here is a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole:

6 slices of cooked bacon (or microwave bacon): Adds a smoky, crispy element to the dish.
4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts: Provides a tender and flavorful protein base.
32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots: Adds a crispy, golden layer to the casserole.
1/2 cup ranch dressing: Infuses the casserole with creamy and tangy flavor.
1 cup milk: Used to create the creamy sauce.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese: Provides a melty, cheesy topping.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and hearty Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole that’s perfect for any occasion:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a golden-brown finish.

Step 2: Cook Bacon

If using raw bacon, cook until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. For microwave bacon, follow package instructions and crumble once cooked.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Cook and shred the chicken breasts if not already prepared. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Melt 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until thickened.
Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup ranch dressing, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and ranch sauce in a bowl. Mix well.
Spread chicken mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese over the tater tots.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness!

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving: Serve hot with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage: Cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to retain the crispy texture of the tater tots.

Helpful Notes and Variations

Additional Toppings: Add sliced jalapeños, diced bell peppers, or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Options: Experiment with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Alternative Meats: Use ground beef, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for variety.

Renowned chef Ina Garten once said, "Food is not about impressing people. It's about making them feel comfortable." Embrace this spirit by customizing your Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole to reflect your personal taste. This dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home.

Chicken Bacon Ranch

Indulge in the harmonious blend of creamy ranch, succulent chicken, and crispy bacon, all crowned with golden tater tots for a truly memorable casserole experience. This dish is a testament to the magic of combining simple ingredients to create something spectacularly delicious.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6 slices of cooked bacon (or microwave bacon).

02 4 cooked and shredded chicken breasts.

03 32 oz. bag of frozen tater tots.

04 1/2 cup ranch dressing.

05 1 cup milk.

06 2 tbsp all-purpose flour.

07 3 tbsp butter.

08 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese.

09 Salt & pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

If using raw bacon, cook until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble. If using microwave bacon, follow package instructions and crumble once cooked.

Step 03

Cook and shred the chicken breasts if not already done. Set aside.

Step 04

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the ranch dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and the prepared ranch sauce. Mix well. Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tater tots.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 07

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy goodness!.

Notes

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and golden tater tots all smothered in a creamy ranch sauce and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.