Looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with crispy bacon, tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and golden tater tots, all brought together with a creamy ranch sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you need a satisfying meal. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a household favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped: Adds a savory, crispy bite to the casserole.
- 4 cooked, shredded chicken breasts: You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- 32 oz. frozen tater tots: The base of this comforting dish, adding a golden, crunchy texture.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Infuses the casserole with a creamy, herby flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Helps create a rich and smooth sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfection.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Enhances all the delicious flavors.
Directions to Make This Irresistible Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Getting the oven nice and hot ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
- Cook the Bacon: If you’re using raw bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop into pieces.
- Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and mix in the ranch dressing, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Chicken and Bacon: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the top and mix everything together until well combined.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken and bacon mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, making sure to cover the casserole for that extra cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the tater tots are crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.
FAQ
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Place the cooled casserole in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through.
3. What other cheese can I use?
Feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar blend would work beautifully in this dish.
4. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Of course! Leftover turkey works great, especially after the holidays.
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Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish!
Ingredients
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped: Adds a savory, crispy bite to the casserole.
- 4 cooked shredded chicken breasts: You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- 32 oz. frozen tater tots: The base of this comforting dish adding a golden, crunchy texture.
- ½ cup ranch dressing: Infuses the casserole with a creamy herby flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Helps create a rich and smooth sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfection.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey cheesy goodness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Enhances all the delicious flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Getting the oven nice and hot ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
- Cook the Bacon: If you’re using raw bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop into pieces.
- Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and mix in the ranch dressing, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Chicken and Bacon: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy ranch sauce over the top and mix everything together until well combined.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the chicken and bacon mixture over the tater tots, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, making sure to cover the casserole for that extra cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the tater tots are crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal.