Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines the satisfying crunch of Tater Tots with the creamy goodness of chicken, sour cream, and cheese. This dish is infused with the classic flavors of ranch and crispy bacon, making it a hit for both family dinners and potluck gatherings. With layers of seasoned potatoes and a savory, cheesy chicken mixture, every bite delivers warmth and delicious satisfaction.
This casserole is easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for weeknight meals or when you want a no-fuss dish that still impresses. It’s versatile enough to be served as a main dish or a hearty side. Top it off with fresh tomatoes and green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Crowd-Pleaser: The blend of ranch, bacon, and cheese ensures flavors everyone will love.
• Easy Preparation: A simple layered process makes this casserole straightforward and quick to put together.
• Hearty and Satisfying: A complete meal in one dish that’s filling and comforting.
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (approximately 8 ounces)
• 1 package (1 ounce) ranch dressing and seasoning mix
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 bag (32 ounces) frozen Ore-Ida™ Tater Tots™
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 13×9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Sauté Onions:
• Heat the vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Ingredients:
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sautéed onions, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, one cup of cheese blend, 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing mix, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Fold in the shredded cooked chicken until evenly mixed.
4. Assemble the Base Layer:
• Arrange half of the frozen Tater Tots in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Layer the Chicken Mixture:
• Spoon the chicken mixture over the Tater Tots, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the chopped bacon over this layer.
6. Top Layer of Tater Tots:
• Place the remaining Tater Tots in a resealable plastic bag with the remaining ranch dressing mix. Seal and shake to coat the Tater Tots evenly with the seasoning. Arrange these on top of the casserole.
7. Bake:
• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
8. Add Cheese and Bacon:
• Sprinkle the remaining one cup of cheese and the remaining 1/4 cup of bacon over the top. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the Tater Tots are slightly browned.
9. Garnish and Serve:
• Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped tomatoes and green onions. Serve hot.
Tips:
• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake when needed.
• Extra Flavor: Add a touch of hot sauce or diced jalapeños for a kick of spice.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute the cheese blend with cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste.
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings with minimal effort. Serve it for dinner, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a warm, hearty dish that everyone will love.
