Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is one of those comforting crowd-pleasers everyone returns to year after year. Full of creamy chicken, layers of crispy tater tots, smoky bacon, plenty of cheese and a hit of ranch, it is exactly the kind of weeknight dinner you want when you need something easy and filling.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil: helps cook the onions evenly for sweetness and depth choose a light oil for neutral flavor
• Onion: finely chopped gives a hint of savory sweetness yellow or white onions work best and are easy to find
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: creates the creamy base look for a low-sodium variety if you prefer
• Sour cream: adds tanginess and richness pick full fat for the best texture
• Milk: loosens the sauce and blends it all together whole milk gives extra creaminess
• Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend: melts into a gooey topping and filling look for freshly shredded cheese for better melt
• Ranch dressing and seasoning mix: delivers the signature flavor you love choose hidden valley or your favorite brand
• Black pepper: gives just a little kick for balance
• Shredded cooked chicken: uses rotisserie chicken or leftovers for ease make sure it is well shredded for every bite
• Frozen tater tots: get crispy on top and soft inside pick a brand with thick golden tots for best results
• Bacon: cooked and crumbled brings smoky crunch use thick cut for extra chew
• Chives: for garnish brighten the casserole with a fresh pop of color snip fresh chives if possible

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly spray a large thirteen by nine inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with cleanup

Cook the Onion:

Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onions Stir frequently and cook for three to five minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant but not browned This step brings sweetness and depth to the casserole

Mix the Creamy Filling:

In a medium mixing bowl combine the softened onions condensed cream of chicken soup sour cream milk one cup of the shredded cheese two tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix and black pepper Stir thoroughly until smooth then gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken This creates a rich base that carries all the flavors through the dish

Layer the Casserole:

Spread half of the frozen tater tots in a single layer across the bottom of your prepared baking dish Add the creamy chicken mixture and smooth it evenly over the tots Sprinkle a quarter cup of cooked crumbled bacon over the top

Coat Remaining Tater Tots:

Place the rest of the frozen tater tots in a large food storage bag Sprinkle with the remaining ranch seasoning mix Seal the bag and shake gently until all tots are coated This step boosts ranch flavor in every bite

Top the Casserole and Bake:

Arrange the seasoned tater tots evenly over the top of the chicken mixture Transfer the dish to a preheated oven and bake for forty minutes This lets the flavors marry and the tots start to crisp on top

Add Remaining Cheese and Finish:

Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheese over the top Return to the oven and bake for an additional ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is melted bubbly and the tots are golden brown

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle remaining bacon and chopped chives over the hot casserole for a fresh finish Let sit five minutes before serving so it sets up a bit

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My favorite part is the layer of melty cheese and bacon on top My youngest always grabs the edge pieces with the crispiest tater tots This casserole has been a snow day staple in our house for years and never disappoints

Storage Tips

Leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to three days Warm portions in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for about fifteen minutes or until hot to restore crispiness Tightly wrapped you can freeze the uncooked casserole for up to two months Let thaw overnight before baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap Colby-Monterey Jack for cheddar or mozzarella if needed Use plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a bit more tang Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can replace regular for a lighter touch If you do not have cooked chicken store bought rotisserie works beautifully

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Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich so pairing with a light salad or steamed green vegetables is my go to Dinner rolls or garlic bread also work great on the side It makes a fantastic brunch addition as well Chop any leftovers and rewarm for a cozy breakfast plate

Cultural and Historical Notes

Casseroles like this blend the American love for creamy bakes and kid friendly flavors Tater tots were invented in the nineteen fifties as a way to use leftover potato bits Ranch seasoning was first bottled in the nineteen seventies and quickly became a staple Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the delicious result of these American favorites coming together

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best in this dish?

Shredded cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or leftover roast, creates the ideal texture and flavor for this casserole.

→ Can another cheese blend be used instead of Colby-Monterey Jack?

Yes, cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar melt well and offer a similar creamy, savory finish.

→ How do I ensure the tater tots get crispy on top?

Arrange the tater tots in a single, even layer and bake uncovered for the specified time, allowing them to brown in the oven.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Can the ranch seasoning be substituted?

Homemade blends with dried herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder will give similar creamy, herby notes if you prefer less processed options.