Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish packed with creamy ranch flavor, crispy tater tots, savory bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. The shredded chicken serves as a hearty base, while the ranch sauce adds tangy richness that brings all the flavors together.
Layering shredded chicken, ranch sauce, cheese, and crispy tater tots gives this casserole a perfect blend of textures—soft and creamy inside with a crispy golden topping. The final addition of bacon and melted cheese creates an indulgent, bubbly finish that enhances the dish’s savory appeal.
This casserole is easy to assemble and bake, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even game day. Each serving is loaded with flavors and textures that make this dish a new favorite for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole:
Loaded with Flavor: The ranch sauce adds tanginess, the bacon gives smoky richness, and cheddar cheese brings the perfect gooey finish. Each bite is loaded with savory goodness.
Great Texture Combination: You get a wonderful mix of creamy, crispy, cheesy, and tender textures all in one dish—comfort food at its finest.
Easy to Prepare: Using frozen tater tots and pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken simplifies prep, making this a practical option for busy nights.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust seasonings to make this casserole your own.
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Key Ingredients:
Cooked Chicken Breasts: Chicken is the protein base. Shredding it helps it blend well with the sauce and makes every bite evenly flavorful. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut if you’re short on time.
Frozen Tater Tots: These bring the crispy texture and satisfying potato element. No need to thaw—just layer them right on top for a crispy, golden finish.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch adds that tangy, herby flavor that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Use your favorite brand or make a homemade ranch dressing for a fresher taste.
Bacon: Bacon adds smokiness and a satisfying crunch. If you’re using microwave or pre-cooked bacon, it saves time. You can also cook the bacon in advance and keep it crispy until assembly.
Mild Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts well and complements the ranch and bacon flavors. You can also try a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack for variety.
Milk, Butter, and Flour: These form the base of the sauce, which adds creaminess and helps the flavors meld together. Whole milk gives the best texture, but you can use any milk you have on hand.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure the tater tots will bake up golden and crispy.
Cook and Shred the Chicken: In a separate pan, cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Allow to cool slightly, then shred using a mixer or two forks. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Ranch Sauce
Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, forming the base of the sauce.
Whisk in Flour: Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the melted butter, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add Milk and Season: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, a bit at a time, to prevent lumps. Stir until creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate Ranch Dressing: Add 1/2 cup of ranch dressing, stirring well until everything is fully combined, giving the sauce a rich, tangy flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Layer Ingredients:
Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom.
Pour the ranch sauce over the chicken, covering it completely.
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Layer the frozen tater tots over the cheese, spreading them out to cover the dish.
Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing 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 (if not pre-cooked), crumble it, and set aside.
Check Tater Tots: After 20 minutes, confirm that the tater tots are golden and crispy. If needed, bake for a few more minutes.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Once crispy, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the crumbled bacon.
Bake Until Melted: Return to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set the layers.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into portions and serve hot for a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some sides and garnishes to round it out:
Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing balance to the rich casserole.
Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to add color and nutrients.
Garnishes: Top with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and a mild, oniony flavor.
For a complete comfort meal, pair this casserole with a warm bread roll or garlic bread on the side.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
This casserole is ideal for leftovers and makes a great make-ahead meal.
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish without baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Reheating
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating a single serving, the microwave works well for about 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Variations to Try:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is endlessly adaptable. Here are some fun twists to try:
1. Loaded Veggie Tater Tot Casserole
Add a layer of cooked veggies such as broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a more nutrient-dense version.
2. Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the ranch sauce for a spicy twist. Sprinkle some blue cheese crumbles on top with the cheddar for extra flavor.
3. BBQ Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
Replace the ranch dressing with BBQ sauce in the sauce mixture for a smoky, tangy flavor. You can also mix shredded BBQ chicken with the regular chicken for an extra kick.
4. Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
Swap the chicken for ground beef, and add a sprinkle of diced pickles and tomatoes on top before serving for a cheeseburger-inspired casserole.
5. Mexican-Style Tater Tot Casserole
Mix in taco seasoning with the ranch sauce, and add layers of black beans, corn, and salsa. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend for a deliciously spicy variation.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is comfort food at its best, combining crispy tater tots, creamy ranch sauce, melty cheese, and smoky bacon into one delightful dish. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and a perfect go-to for busy weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this cozy casserole—it’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy!
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 slices cooked bacon crumbled or microwave bacon
- 4 breasts cooked chicken shredded
- 32 oz frozen tater tots do not thaw
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing adds tangy flavor
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for thickening sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese divided for topping
- 1/8 tsp salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook chicken breasts until done, shred, and set aside.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper, then add ranch dressing, stirring to combine.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread shredded chicken, pour ranch sauce, top with half the cheddar cheese, then layer frozen tater tots.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until tater tots start to crisp.
- Cook and crumble bacon if not already done. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over casserole, then bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow casserole to cool slightly before serving. Cut into portions and enjoy!